of the 




Househoid 



EflRi 




PETS OF THE HOUSEHOLD 



THEIR 



CARE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 



BY / 

V 

THOMAS M. EARL 



WITH ILLUSTRATIONS L^^o^f^i^^^^^ 



A. W. Livingston's Sons, Publishers 

Columbus, Ohio 

1895 



V 



(OTYRKiUT 
lS',1-1 

Bv A. W. Livingston's Sons 



T 



PREFACE. 



HE publication of this work is due to a con- 
stant demand for a popular but reliable 
treatise on the care of pets. So much misunder- 
standing^ prevails in regard to preserving healthy 
conditions in household pets that it seems apparent 
that some attention must be given to the acquisition 
of a knowledge of their needs, if one really values 
the objects under his charge. 

The question ''why do my pets die?" so frequently 
asked, may be readily answered by saying that the 
conditions requisite for health are not maintained. 
It may be true that the bereaved owner has 
bestowed upon them every kindness, but kindness 
often finds expression in practices which must in 
the end provoke mischief. Pets are as frequently 
compelled to sufi:er from misplaced kindness as they 
are from neglect, and when persons who are fond 
of their birds, or their fish, or their dogs learn to 
«*». jUtknow this important fact, the health and pleasing 
qualities of tlieir favorites w^ill be prolonged. 

It is believed that the present work embodies 
the highest degree of reliable information that its 
condensed character will warrant, and both pro- 
fessional and amateur fancier will find much in a 
perusal ot its pages to interest and instruct. 

The Author. 



CONTENTS. 



Chapter T. page 

Cage Birds — General Observations. Trapping Birds. Bird 
Cages. Food for Birds. Taming and Training. Dis- 
eases of Birds 9 

Chapter II. 

Cage Birds— The Canary. German Canary. Belgian 

Canary. English Canary. Bird-Breeding in America. 22 

Chapter III. 

Cage Birds— Care of Canaries. Pests. Drinking and 
Bathing Water. Seed and other Foods. Cuttle-Fish 
Bone and Gravel. Cayenne Pepper. The Moulting 
Period 29 

Chapter IV. 
Cage Birds— The Breeding of Canaries. Hybrids 38 

Chapter Y. 

Cage Birds— The Diseases of Canaries: Asthma; Costive- 
ness ; Loss of Voice ; Diarrh( ea ; Fits, or Convulsions ; 
Inflammation of the Intestines; Cramps and Lame- 
ness ; Accidents 48 

Chapter VI. 

Cage Birds— European Songsters— I. Seed-eating Birds: 
Goldfinch; Red Linnet; Bullfinch; Chaffinch. 
II. Soft-billed Birds: Nightingale; Skylark; Black- 
cap ; Starling 



CONTENTS. 



Chapter VI I. 



Cage BiPtDS — American Songsters — I. Seed-eating Birds: 
Goldtinch ; Indigo Bunting ; Nonpareil ; Bol)olink ; 
CardinaKTrosbeak ; Brazilian Cardinal; Rose-breasted 
Grosbeak. 11. Soft-billed r>irds: Mocking-1)ird ; 
Brown Thrasher; Wood Thrush ; Cat-bird; Scarlet 
Tanager; Baltimore Oriole ; Orchard Oriole ; Troopial. 72 

CnAi'TEi: VI 11. 

Cage BiKDS— Talking Pets.— I. Bsittacidn' : Parrots and 
Paro(iuets; ■Macaws; C'ockatoos; Ivories. 
II. Coi'vida-: Paven ; Crow; Books and Jackdaws; 
Magpies 95 



(^JIAl'TEK IX. 

Cage Birds — The Aviary. Japanese Pol)in. Java Spari'ow. 

Finches and Nuns 118 



Chapter X. 

The AciPAKH'.M. — Constructive Principles. Fish Glol)es. 
Tanks. Plants. AVater. Fisii. FecMling the Fish. 
Placing an Aquarium 129 

Chapter. XI. 

Pet QiADKi peds. — 1. Dogs: Kennels and I5cds; Food and 
p:xercise; The liath ; Diseases of Dogs. II. Cats. 
III. Rabbits and Guinea-pigs. IV. Squirrels 145 



CAGE BIRDS. 



CHAPTER I. 



General Observations. 

THE love of birds is coexistent with the love 
of flowers. When Spring awakens by her 
magic touch the flowers of the woodland, 
she calls forth, at the same time, from their sunny 
abodes the winged minstrels of the air, the former 
to delight us with their beauty and their fragrance, 
the latter to entrance us with their beauty and their 
song. As the wanderer in the woods, in search of 
early flowers, may feel impelled at times to pluck 
up by the roots some favorite plant, and to place it 
in his own cultivated garden, so the lover of birds 
may covet some feathered minstrel for the richness 
of its plumage, or the excellence of its song. This 
desire springs from man's love of the beautiful in 
nature, yet it is to be regretted that we are not 
always permitted to enjoy the bloom of flowers 
and the sons^s of birds in their woodland homes. 
Our habits in city life render that impossible, and 
were it not for the transition ot birds to city homes, 
many persons would be unfamiliar with such wood- 
laud nymphs. 



10 CAGE-BIRDS. 

It is not necessarily an act of cruelty to cage a 
bird, as many imagine. Most imprisoned birds 
learn to love their new environs, and become fond 
of the persons who furnish them with their daily 
requirements, so much so that if given their choice 
between imprisonment and freedom, they will 
choose to return to the cages that have sheltered 
them, and to the caresses of the hands that have 
ministered to their wants. The removal, however, 
of a bird from its natural home, where it has been 
able to care for its wants instinctively, imposes an 
important duty upon its possessor. To keep the 
feathered pet in health and song, one must know, 
as near as possil)le, its previous manner of life, and 
seek to conform in its care to its natural habits. 
To subject a bird, or other object, to a sudden 
transition in habits of growtrh, as well as in sur- 
roundings, would be cruel, and would prove, no 
doubt, a task unrewarded by good results. To 
imprison a l)ird in such a way that it is unable to 
care for itself, to neglect it, and cause it to languish 
for food or drink, and compel it to exist in an 
uncleaned cage, is a crime unworthy of ordinary 
civilization. 

If, therefore, one owns a pet, let him provide for 
its comfort as he would for his own, seeing that its 
natural habits, as far as possible, are retained, then 
he may rest assured it will repay him with its 



GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 11 



measure of love, and an exhibition of all the gifts 
that its Creator has bestowed upon it. 



Trapping Birds. Various means are employed 
by bird-catchers for supplying the demands for 
songsters. Few of these are bred in confinement, 
the Canary being probably the only songster that 
has experienced a long domestication. So easily are 
many birds taken, and so readily do they become, 
with proper attention, contented with the cage, 
that they are allowed to breed as nature directs 
them. The earlier in life a bird is caged, the more 
easily it is domesticated, consequently most birds 
are taken from the nest just before they are ready 
to fly, and their feeding continued for a time by 
hand. Cage-life is then practically the only life 
they know, and such pets are usually docile and 
affectionate, being more highly prized on that 
account. By this method is kept up the supply of 
Mocking-birds which come into the market during 
the summer months. The young which escape 
detection in the nest are often trapped by various 
devices, in which the negroes of the South are 
usually expert. Most male birds are pugnaciously 
disposed toward any rivals that venture upon what 
they are pleased to believe their exclusive territory, 
and this tendency to resent intrusion and a supposed 
trifling with the aftections of the opposite sex, gets 



12 CAGE-BIRDS. 

many a beautiful songster into trouble. The trap- 
per knows this pecaliarity full well, and places in 
a cunningly devised trap a trained call-bird of the 
species he is seeking to ensnare, sets the trap 
wherever he suspects his victim to be, and awaits 
results. The bird he wants soon happens along, 
sees the intruder in the trap, or is attracted by his 
calls, makes haste to demand an explanation, or to 
execute summary vengeance upon him. ^o sooner, 
however, does he alight upon the perch placed for 
him than clap-doors are liberated by means of 
springs, and the would-be pugilist is a prisoner for 
life. Red-birds, Robins, Bobolinks, Indigos, l^on- 
pareils, and many other birds, are successfully taken 
in this manner. 

Another method of taking birds is by means ot 
bird-lime. This is a mucilaginous paste, foiuned 
by boiling down the inner bark of the white holly, 
or sometimes linseed oil is reduced by the same 
means to a pulp. Sticks are smeared with the 
lime, then placed where birds frequent, and results 
awaited. Should a bird alight upon one of them, 
he sticks fast until the hand of his captor releases 
him. If not soon freed from his predicament he 
will Hutter himself to death. This means, with a 
number of variations in the manner of procedure, 
is much used among the peasantry of Europe for 
taking Linnets, which usually alight in iiocks, 
Goldfinches, Chaffinches, etc. 



GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. ^ 13 

Bird Cages. The kind of a cage to be procured 
for a bird will depend entirely upon the size of the 
bird and its habits in a state of nature. Bird- 
dealers have usually in stock a great variety of 
cages for the different chisses of songsters, and in 
purchasing in this line it would be well to permit 
the dealer to designate the cage best suited for 
your purpose. Some birds sing better in small 
cages than in large ones, but in any case the health 
and comfort of the pet must be allowed suitable 
consideration. Brass cages are excellent for Cana- 
ries, and if properly cleaned will remain in a beau- 
tiful condition for a long time. Do not wash a 
cage of this kind with hot water and soap. Such 
applications affect the varnish, and wdll cause the 
wares to show milky spots or other imperfections. 
Scouring is still worse, as it removes the lacquer 
that protects the brass and that keeps it from cor- 
roding. Dampen a sponge in cold water, carefully 
wipe the wires, and then dry with a clean cloth. 
If the varnish of a cage becomes injured from any 
cause, it may be replaced at a trifling cost. The 
perches of a cage should be just large enough to 
be grasped with ease by the bird. A diameter of 
about seven-sixteenths of an inch is right for a 
Canary. Small perches injure the feet, causing 
cramps or lameness. 



14 CAGE-BIRDS. 

Food for Birds. The proper diet to be given a 
cage-pet will depend upon the character of its nat- 
ural food, or such as it would seek instinctively in 
a state of freedom, and its ability to feed upon 
various other substances to which it could never 
have been accustomed. Food that would keep one 
bird in health and song would be entirely unfit for 
another; thus, birds having soft bills w^ould starve 
to death upon seed that they would be compelled 
to crack. Nature intended them to feed upon soft 
substances, such as fruits, berries, insects, and the 
like, while birds with hard bills will find their 
principal subsistence in the seeds of various plants 
and trees. All seed-eating birds, however, will not 
thrive on the same kind of seed, nor is seed neces- 
sarily their exclusive food. Many require at times 
some of the insect food and green stuff that is 
given regularly to soft-billed songsters, in order 
that health and singing conditions may be pre- 
served. 

The food best adapted for the various kinds of 
cage-songsters mentioned in these pages w^ill be 
indicated in connection with their descriptions, but 
should information be desired concerning the food 
of birds not herein described, no great mistake can 
be made if general principles and a little good 
sense are followed. It is hardly necessary to state 
that seed and all other food for birds should be 
fresh and of the best cpiality. 



GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 15 

Hemp-seed is regarded more as a dainty than as 
a food for most birds. It should he rarely given 
to Canaries or similar songsters, hut may he fed 
regularly to some of the large cage-hirds. It is 
very rich and fattening, and if much is allowed to 
a singing hird he will become too lazy to utter a 
note. Some hemp in the seed-mixture for Cana- 
ries is not, as some imagine, necessary to health ; 
the other seeds are fully sufficient to preserve a 
well-nourished condition. Most birds are very 
fond of this seed, and will turn out of their seed- 
cups the other seeds in order to reach the hemp. 

Canary-seed is a good food for most seed-eating 
birds, the best grade being the Sicily. It is nutri- 
tious and healthful when in a fresh condition, but 
stale seed of this kind is particularly injurious. 
Fresh seed may be known by the shiny and lirra 
condition of the shell and the white, compact 
kernel ; when stale, the shell is lustreless and the 
interior worm-eaten. 

Rape-seed is largely used by the bird-breeders of 
Germany for Canaries to the exclusion of all other 
seeds. The grade known as the German Summer 
Rape is the best, and may be obtained from any 
reliable bird-dealer. The cheaper grades of rape 
are unwholesome, and should be avoided. 

Millet-seed is fed to African Finches almost ex- 
clusively, and forms a part of the regular mixture 



16 CAGE-BIRDS. 

for Canaries. The imported grade is the best, but 
the domestic can be recommended as good. It is 
a small, sweet seed, very nutritious, and as a regu- 
lar food can do no liarm to a bird. 

Maw or Poppy-seed is the smallest of all seeds used 
as food for birds. It is largely fed to Goldtinches, 
Siskins and Crossbills. Its properties are stimu- 
lating and medicinal, on which account its use 
must be somewhat restricted. Birds are fond of 
it, and will sometimes feed upon it until intoxicated 
by the large amount of opium it contains. 

Padda or Unhdled Pice is valuable for Bobolinks, 
Redbirds, Grosbeaks and all bii'ds of very hard bills. 
Crushed corn is relished l)y Parrots, Macaws and 
Cockatoos, but since it does not contain all the 
necessary elements of nutrition, its use should be 
supplemented by other foods. It is likewise of a 
heating nature, and should be sparingly fed in 
warm weather. 

Sunflower-seed maybe fed to Redbirds, Grosbeaks 
and Parrots as a favorite change in diet. These 
birds are very fond of this seed when fresh, and it 
is believed to be thoroughly w^holesome. 

The seeds above enumerated are usually fed in 
mixtures, thus affording variety in diet that stimu- 
lates the appetite of the bird, and at the same time 
affords the several elements of nutrition. The best 
mixture for Canaries is made up of equal parts of 



GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 17 

^canary, millet and rape, but no hemp. Maw, 
canary, and a small amount of hemp, is excellent 
for Goldfinches and Crossbills. For Cardinals, 
Paroquets, Parrots and Lories, take equal parts of 
crushed corn, sunilower-seed, hemp and unhuUed 
irice. 

Soft-billed birds, in a state of freedom, feed upon 
insects, worms, small fruits, berries and tender buds. 
In the cage a similar diet must be maintained. 
■Since the Mocking-bird is one of the best known 
of the soft-billed varieties, the mixture that is pre- 
pared for all such birds is known as Mocking-bird 
food. This can be obtained of any bird-dealer, but 
imany prefer to mix the food themselves. There 
are two kinds of this food — the moist and the dry; 
the first being always ready for use, tlie latter re- 
quiring the addition of grated raw carrot. In its 
dry form this mixture may be prepared by taking 
eight parts of pulverized maw-seed, one part of 
crashed hemp, four parts of cracker or stale bread 
crumbs, and one part of ox-heart, the latter being 
pulverized after a thorough boiling. Before feed- 
ing, m*ix a small quantity of the preparation with 
•some grated raw carrot, or for young birds a better 
addition is hard-boiled egg and some mealy potato. 
Birds of the soft-billed class also require a constant 
■supply of insects, such as flies, grasshoppers and 
spiders, while meal-worms and scalded ants' eggs 



^ 

'* 



18 CAGE-BIRDS. 

are always acceptal)le. Some green food, such as- 
lettuce, watercress, chickweed, oi* bits of sweet 
apple, are necessary for variety. As meal-worms 
are constantly required by many birds, it is well to 
breed tbem and thus have an ever-ready supply. 
Half-till an earthen jar with bi'an, or any kind of 
farinaceous meal, in which bury some pieces of old 
Han n el. Place in the meal a small quantity of 
meal-worms — say fifty — and cover wnth a piece of 
cloth, which should be dampened, from time to 
time, with w^ater or stale beer. If left undisturbed 
for a few months, thousands of worms will take 
the place of the few introduced into the jar. Ants' 
eggs may be obtained of dealers; they should be 
scalded before l>eing fed to a l)ird. 

Taming and Training. Whoever enters upon 
the diflicult work of training a l)ird should have 
in store an unlimited supply of tact, patience and 
perseverence. The intelligence of the average 
cage-pet is remarkable, but to accomplish its man- 
ifestation in actions that are apart from the bird's 
natural habits, is a task for which few persons are 
suited. All birds, moreover, are not equally sus- 
ceptible to training, owing to difference in temper 
and disposition, as well as in intelligence. The 
age of the i>upil, also, must be taken into account. 

The Canary, owing to his long domestication^ 



GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 19' 

ranks at th.e head of birds capable of being taugth, 
and among trapped birds, none can excel in smart- 
ness the European Goldfinch and the Linnet. Such 
birds as these may be taught to shake hands, ring 
a bell when they desire attention, draw up food 
and water, simulate death, climb the fingers pre- 
sented in the form of a ladder, lire miniature can- 
non, and many other amusing tricks. 

There is a radical difference in the way bird- 
trainers begin their instruction. By some, kind- 
ness and gentleness are employed at all times, 
while others consider cruelty as the only correct 
means. It must certainly be deemed wicked ta 
use the latter means, and if a bird cannot be brought 
to understand what it is required to do by kindness, 
then do not attempt to train it at all. Some birds 
never seem* to recognize their keepers as their 
friends ; they are always suspicious of danger, and 
consequently any time lavished upon them will be 
wasted. A bird, to be trained, should be of a lively 
but gentle disposition, and the younger the better. 
It must be kept near its trainer as much as possible, 
and its wants supplied by no other person. The 
first step is to gain the confidence of the bird, 
which may be effected by gentleness, never fright- 
ening it by suddenly thrusting the hand into the 
cage, or endeavoring to catch it unnecessarily. A 
few hemp-seeds may be presented by the hand, or 



20 CAGE-BIRDS. 

placed on a table just outside of the open door of 
the cage. Birds are very fond of this seed, and if 
none is allowed in the regular mixture, they will 
soon learn to pick grains from the hand, or venture 
outside of the cage for them. At night, when the 
bird is asleep, insert the hand quietly into the cage 
and by a touch awaken him. He will peck at the 
lingers, which should be withdrawn suddenly, as 
though the sudden peck was something to be 
avoided. After a lew nights of such experiences 
the pet will consider himself a conqueror, and will 
fight the hand in daylight. He will learn to shake 
hands, if his claw^ is gently touched at night and 
the words "Shake hands" softly repeated. Give 
a hemp-seed as a reward for merit and proficiency, 
and let it be taken from the fingers or from between 
the lips. When a good start is made, the succes- 
sive accomplishments of climbing the ladder of 
fingers, feigning death, drawing water, and the like, 
will be readily acquired. Good judgment on the 
part of the trainer will readily suggest expedients 
for bringing about the desired results, the limits of 
this work forbidding a more extended description 
of details. 

Diseases of Birds. It would be a mistake to 
suppose that birds in a state of nature are not sub- 
ject to ailments, but it is true that when left to 



GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 



21 



follow their natural instincts disease is a rare afflic- 
tion. When caged, the possibilities of derange- 
ments are largely increased, owing to carelessness 
or ignorance on the part of the keeper in supply- 
ing all daily requirements. Those that have ''good 
luck" with birds are those who take care of them, 
and do not count it a task to provide all the neces- 
sary conditions of health and song. Study the 
nature of your bird, and regularly attend to his 
wants, then the many diseases that prematurely 
end the existence of so many cage-pets will forget 
to put in an appearance, and sprightliness and 
pleasing song will be your reward. 




CHAPTER II. 



The Canary. 

NO species of bird has ever given so much 
satisfaction in the household as the 
Canary. Ever since its inti'oduction into 
Europe in the sixteenth century, from the 
island in the Atlantic, the name of which it bears, 
it has been a tVivorite cage songster. Such 
perfection in the breeding of the species has been 
accomplished, that the domesticated bird now for 
surpasses the native stock in quality of shape, 
color and song, so that the latter is no longer 
drawn upon to supply the bird-markets of the 
world. 

Tlie domesticated Canaries may be divided into 
various classes, each separately distinct from the 
rest in song, sliape, size or color — bird-breeders 
differing materially in what they consider the 
requisites of perfect birds. 

The German Canary. The people who have 
devoted the greatest attention to the rearing of 
Canaries are the Germans. By them the cultiva- 
tion of the singing qualities of the bird has been 



THE CANARY. 23 

almost the exclusive desideratnni, no particular 
reference being made to beauty of plumage, shape 
or size. In consequence, the finest singers in the 
world are the trained German birds, not even ex- 
-cepting the best of Nature's winged minstrels. 
The length of the German Canary is about five 
and one-half inches, the color varying from a pure 
yellow to a yellowish green. The birds are some- 
times variously mottled or crested, for as before 
stated, their breeding has entire reference to their 
song and not to their plumage. 

In many districts of Germany the breeding of 
the Canary, for the supply of the markets of the 
world, is the principal occupation of the people, 
but the Hartz Mountain region surpasses all 
others to the extent that the German-bred Canary 
is designated by the name of that locality. The 
choicest breed is reared on the very summit of the 
mountain, in the little hamlet of St. Andreasherg, 
where favored by the purest and most bracing of 
atmospheres, the bird-education is carried to a 
degree that can scarcely be understood by ordinary 
readers. Every facilit}^ is given for the young 
birds to acquire the cultured notes of well selected 
singers. Besides, various mechanical devices are 
employed to introduce long trills, water and flute 
notes, and other oddities in song. From three to 
six months of constant training is needed to bring 



24 CAGE-BIRDS. 

the young songsters to the required degree of per- 
fection. Birds that develop harsh or crude notes 
are promptly ejected. St. Andreasberg Rollers is- 
the name by wliicli these Canaries are usually des- 
ignated. As might he supposed, their extraordin- 
ary vocal powers make them very desirable pets,, 
and they rightly deserve tbe high measure of re- 
gard that has been bestowed upon them. 

The size of the St. Andreasberg Canary is about 
the same as that of the ordinary German bird, and 
its color and general appearance are never more 
attractive, l)ut when music is wanted and the 
soul is to be lifted from these meaner levels of 
thought and atfection to the heights of seraphdc 
ecstacy, then let the feathered songsters that are 
prized for their beauty keep silence one and all, 
while the king of musicians the St. Andreasberg 
Canary executes his heavenly opera of song. 

The Belgian Canary. Shape in preference to^ 
song has been the end sought for in the l)reeding 
of this bird. Belgium claims the honor of its 
greatest development, bird-breeding having been 
long a favorite hobby with all classes in that 
country. The Belgian Canary is a long, slender 
bird a[)proximating in shape when at rest to a 
right angle, its head and neck horizontal, its legs 
and body vertical. Its movements are awkward 



THE CANARY. 25 

in the extreme, and its usual appearance gawky, 
but to the trained eye of the bird-fancier the marks 
of high breeding are everywhere apparent. When 
excited, or at a given signal from his keeper, the 
bird assumes the perfect position which shows its 
breeding to the best advantage. The birds of this 
stock, being of an exceedingly nervous tempera- 
ment, are never caught. When their removal from 
one cage to another is desired, they are guided by 
means of a stick. In color the Belgian Canary is 
usually yellow, but color is made subordinate to 
shape. The full-bred bird is seldom met with in 
America, but three-quarter or half-bred birds are 
well prized, as they retain much of the beauty of 
the full-bred, and are at the same time better 
songsters. 

The cage in which this bird is confined should 
be roomy enough for his lengthy figure. His food 
differs but slightly from that of others of his race. 
In addition, however, to the regular Canary seed- 
mixture, the preparation of hard-boiled egg and 
cracker is recommended to be fed twice a week. 

The English Canary. The people of Great 
Britain are not behind their continental neighbors 
in the matter of bird-breeding, but, unlike the 
Germans and the inhabitants of the Low Countries, 
the English have given more attention in the rear- 



26 



CAGE-BIRDS. 



ing of young birds to their color and size. The 
city of Norwich has given its name to the Nomnch 
Canary^ this particular favorite having been culti- 
vated for years in or about that place. This bird 
is usually of a deep golden color, slightly larger 
than the Hartz Mountain species. Some sub-vari- 




eties are splendidly crested. In song the Norwich 
Canary cannot compete w^ith his German cousin. 
His notes are louder and not so well modulated as 
his rival's, nevertheless he does his best to be enter- 
taining, and what is lacking in voice-culture he 
attempts to make up by spunk and ambition. 



THE CANARY. 27 

Otlier varieties of the English Canary are the 
London Fancy, the Gold and Silvei' Lizards, the 
Scotch Fancy, the Yorkshire, L^ancashire Coppy, 
etc. Of these the latter is the hest known and the 
most remarkable. On account of its extraordinary 
size, the bird Ijeing nearly or quite eiglit inches in 
length, he may be regarded as a veritable giant in 
the Canaiy race. The word " Coppy " signifies a 
crest, an ornament which is characteristic of this 
species; a sub-variety, however, called the Plain- 
head is bred without a crest. The Lancashire 
Canary presents a very striking appearance, the 
body being massive, yet graceful, the crest well 
proportioned and regular. The principal efforts of 
its breeders are directed toward securing great size 
in body and crest, and good proportions in shape. 
The song of the bird is loud, corresponding to its 
size, and is not without its attractions. 

The Scotch Fancy, or Glasgow Don, which, as 
its name suggests, is a favorite in Scotland, is an 
offspring of the Belgian Canary, although gener- 
ally more hardy, the same being true, also, of the 
Yorkshire breed. Excellence in shape forms the 
desired standard. ^N'o particular attention is given 
to the color of plumage or the quality of song. 

The English Lizard Canaries, so called because 
the peculiar markings were supposed to resemble 
those of a lizard, are handsome fellows, without 



28 CAGE-BIRDS. 

exception the most beautiful of all bred Canaries. 
Every bird of this variety shows an attractive cap, 
which is uniform in color. This cap may be of a 
golden or steel-gray color, according to the variety, 
the body presenting a beautiful, spangled appear- 
ance, the result of a peculiar development in the 
coloration of the feathers. 

Bird-breeding in America. The busy pursuits 
of the American people seem to prevent them 
from entering seriously into tlie fanciful pastimes 
that characterize the life of the European peas- 
antry. One of these, in which our countrymen 
are not expert, is bird-breeding ; for while a few 
bird-fanciers may be occasionally found, who pride 
themselves in the pure stock of their birds, our 
breeders in general are content if eggs are laid 
and hatched, and the young grow up to be 
indifferent songsters. The American-bred Ca- 
nary has about the same relation to the Euro- 
pean as the yellow mongrel has to the high-bred 
dog. Our birds are bred for pleasure and not for 
profit; but even pleasure would be enlianced if only 
the best stock were used in mating and science 
were to take the place of fancy in the methods of 
breeding. 



CHAPTER III, 



The Care of Canaries. 

"TL ^ OST of the wholesome directions usually 
/ ^ % furnished for the care of pet birds read- 
-^ ^ ily suggest themselves to the minds of 
intelligent persons. The best rule that can be 
given is to apply common sense. If left free to 
supply their own requirements, birds will follow 
the instincts of their nature, and when such free- 
dom is denied them, their keepers are by duty 
bound to anticipate their wants and to furnish the 
necessary means of gratifying them. 

Exercise is one of the fundamental needs of 
every active organism. Birds require it, but at 
the very outset of their career as cage-pets, it must 
needs be reduced to a minimum. Let the cage 
selected for a Canary be large enough to afford 
ample opportunity for flitting about ; the larger 
the better, but no cage should be less than ten 
inches in diameter and twelve inches in height. 
Swings and rotating perches will afford much 
amusement to the occupant of the cage, as well as 
offer additional means of activity. Hang your 
Canary's cage in a moderately heated room and 
never where the bird will be affected by draught. 



30 CAGE-BIRDS. 

Care in following this simple direction will remove 
a fruitful cause of death. If a cage should be 
placed out of doors in pleasant weather, it must 
not he permitted to remain until the atmosphere 
becomes chilling. Fresh air and sunshine are 
grateful to a bird and necessary for its healthtul 
condition, but they must not be given at the 
expense of warmth. 

Always keep your Canary's cage scrupulously 
clean. This may seem a rather trite remark, but 
uncleanliness is so very conducive to annoyance 
and disease in birds as well as in man, that this 
particular advice cannot be too freipiently insisted 
upon. If it prove to be too much of a task to 
attend daily to cleaning a cage and supplying its 
occupant with the necessaries of comfort and 
health, then do not keep a h/'nl. 

Pests. A lack of cleanliness will encourage the 
breeding of lice in the cage, and no cause is more 
fruitful of annoyance to the bird. When afflicted 
with these pests the Canary shows great uneasi- 
ness, plucks continually at his feathers, and 
appears generally wretched. If such a condition 
is observed, take down the cage and transfer its 
occupant to another. Upon examination of the 
crevices and perches a reddish dust may be 
detected, or a whitish deposit as of flour dusted 



THE CARE OF CANARIES. 31 

over the surface. These may be parasites or their 
eggs, and call for a thorough renovation of the 
bird's domicile. If the cage is a brass one, the 
best way is to have it reiinished ; this will prove 
an effectual manner of getting rid of the pests. 
Discard the perches, or pass them through the 
flame of a lighted candle. On other than brass 
cages hot water and soap will be effectual if fol- 
lowed by an application of varnish. Rest assured 
it is easier to prevent the coming of bird-pests 
than it is to bid adieu to them. Before returning 
the bird to its cage, dust it thoroughly undei' the 
feathers with German insect powder. This is 
usually eflectual in annihilating such parasites as 
may be upon the bii^Vs body. The little pet will 
soon resume its usual sprightliness, and renew^ its 
singing. A good way to detect the presence of 
lice in the cage is to cover the cage at night with 
a piece of clean white muslin. Examine this on 
the under side in the morning, and if there are 
insects about the bird, some will be found upon 
the cloth. 

Drinking and Bathing Water. Fresh water 
for drinking and bathing should be placed in the 
bird's cage daily. Drinking water which has been 
unchanged for several days may cause imflamma- 
tion of the intestines, a trouble to which Canaries 



82 CAGE-BIRDS. 

are particularly subject, and of which many die. 
The bathing dish should be shallow and the water 
for the bath of a moderate temperature. Few 
birds will neglect to avail themselves of bathing 
opportunities if these are given them about the 
same time daily. After the bird has bathed 
remove the dish, and give no further opportunity 
to bathe again during the day, as too frequent 
ablutions sometimes produce cramps. 

A persistent refusal of a bird to use the bath- 
dish provided for him is often caused by a neglect 
to furnish him the opportunity to l)athe at regular 
intervals. He will complete his toilet with water 
abstracted from his drinking cup, and utterly 
ignore his bathing dish, muclu to the chagrin of 
his mistress. For this condition of affairs there is 
often no help, but regularity in placing bathing 
water in the cage, and. removing it after it has 
been there an hour or so, will do much toward 
inducing a desire on the part of the bird to make 
use of the dish at the proper time. Sometimes 
moderately spraying a bird that refuses to bathe, 
then placing him in the sunshine to dry and dress 
his feathers, will induce in him a desire for thor- 
ough ablutions. But care should be taken not to 
wet the bird's feathers too much, and never in a 
cold or chilling atmosphere. 



THE CARE OF CANARIES. 33 

Seed and Other- Foods. The best seed for 
Oanaries is a mixture of German summer rape, 
Sicily canary, and millet seeds in about equal pro- 
portions. This mixture ma}^ be fed the year 
round and should be the principal diet of the 
birds. Hemp is wholly excluded from this bird- 
seed owing to its very fattening qualities, and 
notwithstanding the fact that all birds are fond of 
it, it should not be fed under ordinary circumstan- 
ces. A few grains may be given possibly as a 
reward for purposes of training, or for building up 
an emaciated system. All seed fed to birds should 
be fresh and of the best quality ; obtained, if pos- 
sible, from a bird dealer, as that which is purchased 
from grocers is usually poor and unwholesome. 
Two or three times a week birds should have 
some green food, such as lettuce or cabbage leaf, 
chickweed, endive, water-cress, or a piece of sweet 
apple. Such food, however, soon becomes stale, 
and should be removed before it proves a means 
of injury. Cake, sugar, candy, tigs and such dain- 
ties shoukl never be fed. A mixture of hard- 
boiled egg and pulverized cracker or stale bread 
crumbs is a valuable food under certain conditions, 
but birds in full health and song do not require it. 
This food may be given daily during the time of 
moulting. It may be fed regularly to breeding 
birds during the entire period of incubation, and 



34 CAGE-BIRDS. 

should be the principal food of young birds nntil 
they are able to crack seed. 

Cuttle-fish Bone and Gravel. The digestive 
organs of a bird are so constituted that small parti- 
clesof gravel are essential for athorough grindingof 
the food before it enters the stoniacli. The bottom 
ot'a bird's cage should therefore be strewn with clean 
tine gravel from which the bird can pick at will, 
and in which it will often dehght to scrape. Cut- 
tle-fish bone is furnished as an excellent appetiser. 
While not wholly necessary for the health of the 
bird, its saline proportions ren<ler it wholesome, 
and a desirable addition to the daily food. 

Cayenne Pepper. It has l)ecn lonii" ffenerallv 
known that the feeding of cayenne pepper to a 
Canary for a certain length of time before and 
during the moulting season wdll materially alter 
the color of the plumage ; the change being to a 
ver}^ pronounced reddish-orange hue. This secret 
was guarded for a long time by its discoverer, who 
reaped a most splendid financial harvest for his 
good luck or ingenuity. As such a change of 
color is produced by artificial means, cayenne-fed 
Canaries cannot be classed as a distinctive species. 
The coloring, moreover, disappears when the bird 
moults and the new feathers display their natural 



THE CARE OF CANARIES. 35> 

hue unless the feeding is renewed before the period 
of moulting begins. The pepper used should be 
of the best grade ; that obtained from a reliable 
bird-dealer will prove most satisfactory, as it is 
imported for this purpose. One heaping teaspoon - 
ful is thoroughly mixed with a hard-boiled egg 
grated line, together with an equal amount of pul- 
verized bread or cracker crumbs. The quantity 
of this mixture that a single bird will consume 
varies considerably ; the average amount to be fed 
being one heaping tablespoonful each day. The 
regular seed-mixture should be reduced to half the 
amount during the cayenne feeding. Canaries are 
very fond of the pepper food, but care should be 
taken not to over-do the matter. Enough will 
prove better than a feast. The delicate organism 
of a bird might become seriously affected by over- 
feeding. It is thought by some expert bird- 
fanciers that moderate quantities of the coloring- 
mixture have no ill etfect upon the healtli of the 
Canary, wdiile others assert that it is decidedly 
harmful. 

The birds usually subjected to such artificial 
coloration have naturally a deep yellow^ color. 
The l^orwich Canary is the very best of this class, 
its hue being to start with a beautiful golden. The 
feeding of the cayenne food is begun when the- 
nestling is some six or eight weeks old and con- 



36 CAGE-BIRDS. 

tinned until the moulting period is decidedly 
passed. The color should then be sufficiently set, 
but all birds are not equally affected by the food. 
Indeed, some Canaries do not seem to be noticea- 
bly changed by all the pepper that they can be 
induced to swallow. In the second year, and in 
each succeeding year thereafter, the pepper diet 
must be renewed about two weeks before the 
moulting period and continued until the same 
length of time after the bird has acquired his full 
plumage. Cayenne-fed Canaries, as a usual thing, 
sing well, as pepper invigorates the vocal organs. 
They present a handsome appearance and are pos- 
sibly as hardy and sprightly as others fed upon 
ordinary seed mixtures. 

The Moulting Period. The shedding of a 
bird's feathers is a natural process that takes place 
annually ; it must not be considered a disease, 
although carelessness at such a time in the matter 
of attention may jeopardize the life of the bird. 
The moulting season usually begins late in August, 
and should be fully past in from four to six weeks. 
Nestlings have attained their full plumage when 
-about two months. old, and very soon thereafter 
begin to shed their body feathers, those of the 
wings and tail being retained until the succeeding 
season. When the time for moulting begins a 
bird loses his sprightliness, stops singing, perches 



THE CARE OF CANARIES. 



37 



with his head under his wing considerable of the 
time, and shows no appetite for customary food. 
He should then have a more generous diet. In 
addition to the regular seed, feed dail}^ a mix- 
ture of hard-boiled egg and pulverized cracker 
crumbs, to which a pinch of cayenne pepper may 
be added. The danger of taking cold is the 
greatest that besets a moulting bird. The cage 
may be partially covered with paper or cloth and 
hung where its occupant will be protected from 
draught and where a moderate, even temperature 
prevails. It is better also at this period to clean 
the cage less frequently, in order to prevent any 
unnecessary disturbance to the bird. A moderate 
degree of heat and sunshine will materially assist 
the restoration of the bird's usual appearance and 
sprightliness. 




CHAPTER lY. 



The Breeding of Canaries. 

THE rearing' of young birds is a task in 
which all will not be equally successfal, 
but it is safe to say that if care is taken 
to follow a few simple directions a reasonable 
amount of success may be assured to all. The 
breeding of Canaries may be commenced as early 
as February and continued until late in the sum- 
mer, one pair raising several broods if permitted. 
The policy, however, of continuing the breeding 
season too long is to be disparaged as such con- 
tinuation will |>rove detrimental to the health and 
comfort of the birds. 

The desire to mate is natural to a bird during 
the early spring montlis and if not permitted to do 
so, a sliofht illness known as the '' matins fever" 

7 >_' 

may ensue. This is most common in the latter 
part of April or tlie Urst part of May. The bird 
sometimes takes his condition seriously to heart, 
refuses his food, and ceases singing. If mating is 
an inconvenience, the bird's cage should be hung 
in a cheerful place, where diiferent surroundings 
mav divert his attention, and it possible another 



THE BREEDING OF CANARIES. 39 

■singing bird should l)eplaced near him for company. 
Talktohimand proffer him dainties; the probability 
is that he will soon forget the desire of his heart and 
resume singing. A better way, however, at such 
a time, is to mate your bird ; the trouble, it is be- 
lieved, of ministering to the wants and looking 
^fter the domestic conditions of the bird family 
would be fully compensated by the pleasant con- 
summation of their household affairs. 

Procure of your bird-dealer a female of as good 
a breed as it is possible to obtain ; if older than the 
male, it will be all the better as the offspring in 
such a case will consist of more males than females. 
If the parent birds are about the same age, the 
sexes in the young birds will probably be equally 
represented. The colors of the young will be 
characterized by those of the parents. A thickly 
mottled bird may be mated with a pure yellow 
female to produce a progeny lighter than the male, 
but darker than the female ; a fine yellow bird may 
be obtained by mating a deep yellow songster with 
a whitish yellow or meal}" female. The singing 
qualities of the young males cannot be predicated 
from those of the parent. Excellence of song is 
the result of voice culture ; it can only be attained 
by careful training during the period that the 
young males are beginning to sing. 

Birds will often quarrel considerably when they 



40 CAGE-BIRDS. 

iire first placed in the same cage. It is a good 
plan to give them a suitable opportunity of getting- 
well acquainted before they become occupants of 
the same domicile. Place the female in the breed- 
ing cage, which should be set or hung where it is 
to remain, and on the opposite side of the room 
hang the singing Canary's cage. In a few days the 
birds will become quite familiar, the male calling 
and the female answering, and then you may be 
assured that they are ready to undertake the re- 
sponsible duties of domestic life. 

The cage in which the breeding takes place- 
should be roomy, ten inches or upwards in width 
and sixteen or upwards in length. It should be 
hung against the wall or placed upon a shelf some 
seven or eight feet from the Hoor, and facing if 
possible, the south, as that will prove the most 
cheerful aspect. When once it has become the 
home of its prospective tenants, its position should 
not be changed, nor should it be needlessly taken 
from its place. The cage should be provided with 
a drawer which must be kept clean and strewn 
daily with tine gravel. It is especially to be de- 
sired during the breeding period to prevent the 
accumulation of lice as they are particularly an- 
noying to the young birds. Cleanliness is a very 
certain preventative. Pieces of old plaster or 
crushed oyster shells should be strewn with the 



THE BREEDING OF CANARIES. 41 

o^ravel in the bottom ot the eao-e as the lime that the 
plaster and shells contain is utilized for the forma- 
tion of egg-shells. Without this, soft-shelled eggs 
might be laid and such would be useless. Fresh 
water, botli for drinking and bathing purposes 
should be supplied daily. Some birds will bathe 
during the breeding period while others will not ; 
it is best to allow them to act according to their 
own free will in the matter. Plenty of nutricious 
food should be given, as the cares incident to 
paternal and maternal duties are wearing upon the 
bird organism. Feed the egg and cracker mixture 
daily in addition to the seed, and some green stuff, 
such as lettuce leaf or bits of sweet apple, fre- 
quently. This diet, indeed, should have been begun 
with the birds several days before they were placed 
together. Underfed birds sometimes eat their 
eggs as fast as laid, much to the annoyance of the 
breeder, but it is safe to say if the above mixture 
is fed plentifully your birds will not care to destroy 
their own treasures. 

As soon as the male is observed to be feeding his 
mate, it is certain that the two have come to an 
amicable adjustment of their difficulties. In about 
eight days after mating, the female will begin to 
lay, and will deposit one egg daily until the whole 
number are laid. The set of eggs is seldom less 
than four, but often five or six and sometimes 



42 CAGE-BIRDS. 

seven. Almost immediate]}' after the deposit of 
the last egg the female will begin incubation, a 
task in which she will be assisted occasionally l)y 
the male, if he is a good husband. Tlie Urst egg 
will hatch in exactly thirteen days, then one egg 
eacli day in the order in which they were laid, 
until all the young birds are out. If an egg should 
be unhatched in two or three ch.iys after the proper 
period for incubation is past, lift it out of the nest 
carefully by means of a spoon ; liold it up between 
a strong light aiul the eye. If dark blood stains ap- 
pear, return the egg to the nest, for it may yet be 
hatched, but if it is semi-transparent it may be dis- 
carded at once. Loud noises near at hand, such as 
peals of thunder, the slamming of a door, the 
report of a gun, and the like, are said sometimes 
to kill the endjryo, and render the egg worthless. 
The male will assist the female in feeding 
the young; plenty of soft food should be supplied 
them for this purpose, as the infant progeny have 
very large mouths and very capacious stomachs, 
and notwithstanding the assiduous efforts of the 
parents they seem always hungry. The egg and 
cracker mixture shonld be their customary diet, 
and on this alone they will thrive, as it is very 
nutricious and well calculated to furnish the nec- 
essary means of development. In from two to 
three wrecks the young birds will be able to leave 



THE BREEDING OF CANARIES. 43 

the nest and avail themselves of the perch. They 
will soon learn to feed themselves if plenty of soft 
food is kept in the cage. In addition to the egg 
food, some soaked, ripe seed may he given regu- 
larly in a separate dish. When some four weeks 
old the males will he noticed swelling their throats 
as if attempting to warhle, whereupon, if it is 
desired, the sexes may he separated. The birds 
will be in full feather when six weeks old, but very 
soon thereafter begin to cast their body feathers, 
and two months may elapse before they are in per- 
fect plumage again. During this period, they 
should be carefully preserved from draughts, and 
fed the egg mixture daily, together with rape- 
seed which has been softened in water, and a lit- 
tle crushed hemp. 

A young male's capacity to sing may depend 
upon good breeding, but the excellence of his song 
is dependent upon his musical training. If he sings 
well, he has learned by imitation. If you expect 
your young birds to become good singers, you 
must place near them as good a songster as you 
can buy or lJorrow^ A little money spent for a 
fine singer that can act as instructor to the young 
will be w^ell repaid by the satisfaction you will get 
in knowing that you have not only reared a few 
broods of Canaries but that you have added to your 
possessions a number of excellent songsters. Bird- 



44 CAGE-BIRDS. 

breeders in Germany put their Canaries to school 
immediately after the moulting season is past, the 
birds beino^ then about three months old. A large 
number of young males are placed in a half-lighted 
room connected witli an apartment above by an 
opening in the ceiling. In the upper room are 
placed the choicest singers that can be commanded 
— Nightingales, Larks, Blackcaps, etc., which 
act as instructors to the young l)ird8. The Cana- 
ries soon learn the lessons so carefully set for them, 
and in a few months become expert musicians. 

Having now traced the ordinary routine of breed- 
ing Canaries, it will be well to note a few of the 
incidental annoyances that may occur to mar the 
pleasure of the l)reeder. Occasionally a male bird 
is capricious al)out bestowing his affections upon 
the bride that has been chosen for him, and some- 
times the female will resent all attentions that may 
be proffered her l)y her liege lord. If the birds re- 
fuse to mate on account of any coldness of heart 
on the part of either of them, find out which one 
is at fault and then change the bird. 

When a female has trouble inlaying her egg she 
is said to be "egg-bound." This condition is pros- 
trating, and if the egg is not laid within a reason- 
able time some expedient should be tried to bring 
about tlie desired result. Take the bird gently in 
the left hand with her back to the palm, and 



THE BREEDING OF CANARIES. 45 

expose the passage to the steam of a kettle 
for a few minutes; apply with a pointed stick 
a drop or two of sweet oil to the vent, and return 
the bird to the nest. It is probable that the egg 
will be laid immediately. This condition may be 
prevented by feeding daily plenty of green stuff for 
a time before the birds are mated. 
It may happen that the male and sometimes the 
female parent is guilty of eating the eggs as soon 
as laid. This fault is said to result from under- 
feeding. The birds should have extra nutriment 
from the time that they are placed together and as 
long as they are acting in the function of parents. 
If however the breeder is likely to experience this 
annoyance, the eggs may be removed as fast as 
laid (using a spoon for this purpose) and small 
marbles substituted. When the entire quota is 
laid, the eggs should be carefully returned to the 
nest as the hen will begin incubation at once. 

After the eggs are hatched too much curiosity 
on the part of the people of the household in dis- 
playing the interesting progeny will sometimes 
cause the bird parents to desert the young. Leave 
the birds unmolested as much as possible. If then 
they persist in failing to feed their offspring the 
latter must be fed by hand or left to perish. Re- 
move the nest with the young birds in it from the 
cage, talking care to keep them warm, then feed 



46 CAGE-BIRDS. 

them every hour during tlie day with the egg 
mixture previously recommended, using for the 
purpose a small stick or quill. A Red-bird placed in 
the same cage with a nest of deserted Canaries will 
sometimes perform all the duties of a foster-parent. 
He tenderly supplies them with all they desire, 
and acts besides in the capacity of musical in- 
structor. 

A hen may cover her young too closely during 
the first few days and s(V "sweat" them; at the 
same time she is likely to neglect their proper 
feeding. It may be well in such a case to remove 
her mate from the cage, thus compelling her to 
leave the nest for food. Tlie sight of plenty of 
fresh food in the dish and of the ga})ing mouths 
of her young nestlings will usually be sufficient to 
suggest her duties as a provider. 

Hybrids. A hyl)ri(l or mule-l)ir(l is the offspring 
of a male of one species nndthe female of another. 
Some persons have a fancy for such breeding ; 
indeed, it must be acknowledged that the difficulty 
of producing desirable variations in species is not 
without its special atti-actions. All hybrids are 
incapable of re}»roduction ; any attempt to mate 
them would necessarily prove futile. The female 
Canary will mate with the males of many species 
similar in habits to herself if the opportunity of 
mating is given during the natural pairing season 



THE BREEDING OF CANARIES. 47 

of the male bird. The females also of many vari- 
eties less domesticated than the Canary will mate 
with the male of the latter species. The Gold- 
finch, Bullfinch, Chafiinch, Linnet and Siskin 
among European birds, and the Goldfinch, Bobo- 
link, Indigo and iN^onpareil among American spe- 
cies, will mate with the Canary. The proper time 
of breeding for most of these varieties is about the 
middle of May. The American Goldfinch is excep- 
tionally late in mating in its natural state, as it is 
often late in the summer before its first brood 
appears. The breeding of hybrids will be found 
more difiicult than that ot Canaries, although the 
same general rules will apply to all. High colors 
are sought for in mule-breeding, and the song- 
resulting from combination is sometimes excellent. 



CHAPTER Y. 



The Diseases of Canaries. 

THE Canary is a remarkably healthy bird, 
living many years if proper attention is 
given to its requirements. Disease or pre- 
mature death must be attributed usually to neglect, 
a statement which has been made with equal trnth 
respecting cage- birds in general. Over-kindness, 
however, and consecpiently over-indulgence in the 
matter of feedino- often lavs a foundation for futnre 
trouble. Simplicity in food is one ot the secrets of 
long life in pets as well as in the human race, yet 
this statement in no way conliicts with the time- 
honored saying tliat " variety is the s})ice of life." 
Changes in diet may be made from time to time, 
but whatever is fed sliould be simple in its natnre, 
and calculated to nourish the bird-organism. If 
you would have your bird " live to sing,'' it must 
be made to •' eat to live," and not to " live to eat." 
Cake, candy, sugar, and various other sweetmeats, 
are wliolly unknown to birds in a state of nature, 
and sliouhl be rigoi'ously excluded from the daily 
tucnu. 



THE DISEASES OF CANARIES. 



49 



Cleanliness aiul a care to exclude stale food and 
water from a cage, will save its occupant a period 
of suffering, and, perhaps, its fond but indulgent 
owner a temporary beartaclie. A few of the prin- 
cipal troubles to which Canaries are subject will be 
briefly enumerated, and the remedies usually found 
sufRcient for the same will be given. It may be 
remarked, in this connection, that the diseases of 
other cage-birds are, to a large extent, very similar 
in their nature to those of Canaries, and may be 
treated by the same means as recommended here, 
unless otherwise specitied in tlie proper connection. 




CAXAKY IX HEALTH. 



Taking cold is a fruitful source of disease, being 
usually due to negligence. A bird's cage has been 
hung in a draught, or placed out of doors during 
the sunny part of the day and forgotten until after 



50 CAGE-BIRDS. 

the sun has gone down, or, perhaps, allowed to 
remain out all night. The morning finds you with 
a wheezy bird on your hands, if not with a dead 
one. Colds produce asthma, consumption, loss of 
voice, diarrhoea, and other kindred troubles. 

Many birds of a greedy disposition are subject 
to indigestion. Their appetites may have become 
vitiated by the feediiig of dainties, or, after a period 
of neglect, too much food is given at one time, 
from which they greedily appease their hunger. 
Perhaps the drinking water has become stale, or a 
bit of apple or green stutf has soured, and has not 
been removed from the cage. From such causes 
arise constipation, lits, inilammation of the liver or 
bowels, trom the latter of which many birds die. 
Uncleanness or a foul atmosphere may cause 
cram[)s, sore feet, various diseases of the skin, and, 
where many birds are confined, some contagious 
diseases. 

Asthma is usually the result of cold, but may, in 
some cases, arise from indigestion. It is character- 
ized by difhcult breathing, the afflicted bird open- 
ing his moutli frequently to gasp for air, and pro- 
ducing, from time to time, a peculiar wheezing. 
Place the cage where there is as even a temperature 
as possible night and day (70° is about right), and 
see that the bird cannot be affected by draughts. A 



THE DISEASES OF CANARIES. 51 

bird's cage is frequently hung upon a support fast- 
ened to a window easement, and it sometimes hap- 
pens that the window sash is very loose. Through 
the crevices comes a constant flood of cold air, 
which may not be perceptible to persons in the 
room, but which means death to the bird. Make 
sure that such conditions do not exist. Reduce 
the bird's diet to plain rape and a few canary-seeds, 
from which all dust has been carefully removed. 
Plenty of bread, soaked in water and squeezed 
until the surplus water has been removed, may be 
fed daily ; or bread boiled in milk will be better. 
Feed lettuce leaf, endive, watercress, or other green 
food, two or three times during the week, but 
remove the remnants from the cage before they 
become stale. Hang in the cage a piece of fat, 
salt pork, uncooked, at which tlie bird can pick at 
his pleasure; sprinkle the pork slightly with cay- 
enne pepper. Birds suffering from asthma should 
not be caught if it is possil)le to avoid it. 

CosTiVENESS often afflicts birds recentl}- bought. 
They have been fed on dr}^ seed alone, and have 
had no means of exercise in their small cages. A 
bird often manifests this trouble by frequent switch- 
ing of tlie tail, and efforts to obtain relief. The 
feathers are ruffled in appearance, and the bird 
shows a general uneasiness. A'permaiient cure of 



52 CAGE-BIRDS. 

constipation must be brought about by correct 
feeding; teiliporary relief may be effected by giv- 
ing a piece of stale bread, moistened in sweet 
cream, then sprinkled with maw-seed, or adminis- 
ter a few drops of castor oil. Sweet apple and 
some green food, given several times each week, 
will prevent tliis trouble. 

Loss OF A'oicE is sometimes the result of cold, 
and sometimes of over-singing. This condition is 
seldom lasting when it receives proper attention. 
Give a more generous diet for a short time ; it is 
well to feed the egg-mixture, sprinkled with cay- 
enne pepper, and to dissolve a small piece of rock 
candy in the drinking water each morning. 

After the moulting process is fully over, a loss 
of voice is sometimes observed to affect a singing 
bird. He may be ambitious to resume singing 
and indeed may go through all the motions as 
usual but not a sound is heard from his throat. 
This condition is often the result of cold contracted 
during the moulting period; the above remedies 
will probably [)rove efficatious. A piece of raw 
fat bacon hung in the cage is excellent. 

DiARRiKEA is a frequent and very weakening 
complaint among birds. It often affects those that 
have been newly trapped, and in many cases proves 



THE DISEASES OF CANARIES. 53 

fatal. The principal cause of diarrhoea will be 
found in the manner of feeding, although the trou- 
ble sometimes results from a cold. Green food, too 
frequently fed, or permitted to be eaten in a de- 
cayed condition, or foul drinking water, or too 
much sloppy food, are all conducive to the disease. 
It is made manifest by the watery character of the 
bird's droppings, and calls for speedy relief. The 
simplest remedies are as follows: Place a rusty 
iron nail in the drinking water, which must be 
given fresh at least once a day ; withhold green 
food for a fcAv days, and with the gravel on the 
bottom of the cage sprinkle cayenne pepper and 
some chalk grated fine. Keep the cage thoroughly 
clean, placing it where the bird will be warm and 
dry. 

Fits, or Convulsions are probably due to indis- 
creet feeding, and will yield, usually, to a correct 
diet. Feed, for a time, rape-seed with a little 
canary, but no hemp. Beware of all sweetmeats 
whatsoever, but give plenty of lettuce or sweet 
apple. ]^ever hang a bird's cage in the hot sun- 
shine ; to this fault may be attributed some epilep- 
tic disturbances lather than to indigestion. 

Some bird-fanciers assert that fits are usually if 
not always due to prolonged constipation. If 
such a condition is known to exist the remedies 



54 CAGE-BIRDS. 

for costiveiiess should be applied and great care 
exercised in dietino-. 

Inflammation of the Intestines. This is a dan- 
gerous trouble, and if not checked at the outset is 
likely to cause death. Like some of the foregoing 
diseases, it has its origin in bad feeding, and a con- 
sequent derangement of the digestive organs. Im- 
pure di'inking water, l)ad seed, or stale food of any 
kind, are fruitful causes. The l)ird shows symp- 
toms of pain, scarcely cares to move or perch him- 
self erect, has no apj)etitc for food, but evinces 
great thirst. If the sutferer l)e gently caught, and 
the featliers parted over the abdomen, that region 
will be seen to show a reddish hue, varying in 
depth of color with the intensity of the disease. 
Ado[)t hygienic measures at once ; crackers or stale 
bread, soaked in milk, nuiy be ted to the exclusion 
of other food for a day or two. A warm applica- 
tion, to the abdomen, of turi>entine and lard will 
afford relief. Absolute cleanness, a moderate tem- 
perature, and freedom from all excitement, may 
bring the little sufferer back to health. During 
convalescence a nourishing diet may be given. 
Some bird tonics, to be obtained in the stores, will 
be found useful. 

Cramps and Lameness, (h-amps are the result 



THE DISEASES OF CANARIES. 55 

of too frequent bathing, iiltby or too confining 
cages, or of indigestion. The legs, if affected, may 
be immersed in a warm bath ; a few drops of lauda- 
num placed in the drinking water is beneficial. 
Lameness is due to the use of perches too small to 
be convenient]}^ grasped, or, perhaps, to filth. The 
scales on a ])ird's legs, which increase in thickness 
as the bird increases in age, sometimes produce 
lameness, and should he removed. First soften 
them by the aid of glycerine, used as a lotion ; in 
a couple of days they may be removed by means 
of a knife-blade. A bird's nails should not be per- 
mitted to grow unnecessarily long. When they 
appear to need trimming, gently catch the bird, 
and holding the claw up between a good light and 
the eye, so that the blood veins may be discerned, 
clip away with sharp scissors tlie superfluous nail, 
taking care not to draw blood by cutting into the 
quick. 

Accidents will happen in the best regulated fam- 
ilies, and these sometimes occur to one's feathered 
pets. Should a bird become badly injured and its 
recovery doubtful, the most merciful means of free- 
ing it from its suffering is by the use of chloroform. 
Make a stiff* paper cone large enough to cover the 
bird ; a few drops of chloroform placed therein 
along with the injured bird will cause a painless 



56 



CAGE-BIRDS. 



and speedy death. In the case of ordinary injuries 
the cage shoukl be hung- in a warm, dry place; 
place food and drink in an accessible place, then 
leave the sufferer to himself. Quiet and nature's 
healing balm will, in a few days, restore the invalid 
to his usual sprightliness. 





CHAPTER VI. 



European Songsters. 



THE ornithological fauna of Europe includes 
some of the finest songsters of the world. 
They have, from the earliest times, been 
celebrated in prose and song, and the names of 
many of them are as familiar to American readers 
as are those of our own worthy minstrels. Who 
has not heard of the Nightingale, the '' sweet Phi- 
lomel " of the poets, who have loved to sing of 
his enchanting melodies poured forth in moonlit 
groves, and of the Skylark, that " ethereal min- 
strel, pilgrim of the sky," whose morning hymn is 
chanted in ecstatic flight. 



58 CAGE-BIRDS. 

The European birds are, as a rule, less brilliant 
in plumage than our American songsters, but if 
the former are lacking in beauty they are certainly 
worthy rivals of their neighbors across the sea in 
song. Quite a large number of tlie European birds 
are desirable as cage-pets and for the aviary. 
!Much attention is given in the Old World, by the 
common people, to the domestication of native 
songsters, and probably to their love of sucb pur- 
suits is due the fact that large numbers of cage- 
l)irds are annually imported into this country. 
Such of the peasantry as follow sedentary occupa- 
tions — tailors, shoemakers, weavers, etc., are often- 
times ex[»ert ])ird-trainers, and realize handsomely 
by the sale of such feathered pets as they have, 
fi'om time to time, in training. 

I. — Seed-Eating Birds. 

Goldfinch {Cardvdis carduelis). The Goldfinch * 
is one of the handsomest and deservedly one of 
the most popular birds of the Old World. Large 
numbers of these Finches are annually trapped, and 
owing to their easy domestication, their musical 
proficiencies, agreeable manners, and aptness to 
acquire smart tricks, they find a ready market the 
world over. The extreme leno-tli of the bird is 
five and one-half inches; the bill is tipped with 



EUROPEAN SONGSTERS. 59 

])lack, and encircled at its base b}^ a beautihil 
fringe of bright scarlet feathers ; the top and ])ack 
of the head and a band extending on either side, 
just forward of the shoulders, are black; the 
cheeks and throat are white ; the back, shoulders 
and breast a tawny brown ; the rump, wing and 
tail feathers black, those of the wing being tipped 
with white, and their black relieved by bright 
patches of yellow. He seems fond of his beauty, 
and loves to dress his feathers and cleanse them 
with a daily bath. 

The Goldfinch, when trapped, shows little 
anxiety concerning Jiis new mode of life. He is 
always a happy fellow, and, like all happy fellows, 
adapts himself readily to his surroundings. He 
soon strikes up a lasting friendship with his keeper, 
and inwardly vows to prove himself worthy of all 
the kind attention bestowed upon him. His song- 
is mellow and pleasing, but lacking in force; in 
coniinement he will sing most of the year, the 
jirincipal exception being the moulting season. 
With a lively and charming motion of the body 
he utters his pleasing melody, the overflowing of a 
heart in which care has no abiding place. 

This Finch is one of the best trick-birds of the 
world. His apt intelligence enables him to acquire 
the habit of drawing up his seed in a bucket, firing 
cannon, climbing the fingers, feigning death, ring- 



60 CAGE-BIRDS. 

mg bells, and many other smart things, in all of 
which he is rarel}^ equalled by other birds. 

His daily tood in confinement is maw-seed, 
slightly mixed with canary ; a few grains of hemp 
may be occasionally given him as a luxury, or as a 
reward for meritorious proficiency in learning. 
His daily bath should be by no means neglected, as 
bathing is one of his greatest pleasures. His gen- 
eral treatment is similar to a Canary's, and his dis- 
eases, which are few, may be relieved or prevented 
by preserving hygienic conditions. The male Gold- 
finch mates readily with the female Canary, the 
progeny being said by some authorities to be pro- 
ductive. This is not the case with hybrids in gen- 
eral, but since the Goldfinch is nearly allied to the 
Canary, which is also a Finch, such an exception 
to the general rule may obtain. 

Bed Linnet {FringiUa Uhota). The Linnet, like 
the foregoing si>ecies, is a particular favorite with ^ 
all classes in Europe, its sweet, well-modulated 
song and docile manner making it a desirable cage- 
pet. Linnets are very sociable in disposition, and 
large flocks are often seen perched on the top of 
some favorite tree, warbling and chattering in a 
most happy and engaging manner. They are easily 
taken by means of bird-lime or clap-traps, and 
readily adapt themselves to a cage existence. The 



EUROPEAN SONGSTERS. 



61 



Linnet is said to acquire readily the notes of other 
songsters with which it is confined, yet its own 
song, so sweet and naturally varied, is by no means 
improved by the combination. The habits of the 
Linnet are so nearly like those of the Canary that 
the same treatment may be given it in health and 
disease. In its natural state the bird is very fond 
of bathing, and no opportunity is lost to bathe and 
dabble in every wayside rill, then to dress its wet 
coat in the sunshine. In intelligence the Linnet is 
little, if any, behind the Goldfinch, his ability to 
acquire amusing tricks being very marked. He is 
hardy, quite free from diseases of any nature, and 
will pipe his sweet and pleasing song at most sea- 
sons of the year. 




Bri.LFIXCH. 



Bullfinch {Loxia i^yrrhida). The Bullfinch, 
though possessing naturally few notes entitled 
to consideration, is one of the most highly 



62 CAGE-BIRDS. 

prized of all cage-birds. Ills merit lies in his 
ability to pipe ditterent musical strains that are 
whistled to him by expert trainers. In Ger- 
many, in particular, peasants of sedentary oc- 
cupations make a specialty of training* Bull- 
finches, and from them are obtained by bird-traders 
the piping birds that are sent to all quarters of the 
globe. Birds intended for the American trade are 
taught the '' Star Spangled Banner," " Yankee 
Doodle," "Hail Columbia," etc., which they exe- 
cute with accuracy and sweetness ; while such birds 
as are to find English homes will pour forth the 
strain of " God Save tlie Queen" with equal patri- 
otism and vim. The Bullfinch is a beautiful l)ird, 
in appearance very neat and precise. The bill is 
quite short and stout, being black in color; the 
crown of the head is Idack, and a nai'row, black 
rim of feathers encircles the bill; the greater part 
of the body is a handsome chestnut in color; the 
wings and tail are black. 

The natural food of tlie Bullfinch is the seeds of 
plants and trees. He exhibits, likewise, an unusual 
partiality for the tender fruit-buds in farmers' 
orchards, for which reason he is considered l)y 
agriculturists one of the most pernicious of bird- 
pests. In the cage his principal food should be a 
diiily supply of fi*esh ra[)e-seed, and a very few 
grains of hemp occasionally. Fresh green food 



EUROPEAN SONGSTERS. 63 

may be given him two or three days in the week, 
but the remnants of such food shouhl be removed 
before they become stale. It is best that the Bull- 
finch should be cared for by the same person day 
after day. A strict diet of wholesome food, all 
dainties being carefully excluded, will go far toward 
preserving the healthy condition of the bird. The 
Bullfinch moults so rapidly that he is almost devoid 
of feathers at times ; he should accordingly be well 
shielded from draughts, his cage being hung in a 
warm, dry place. During the period of moulting 
the bird will not sing. He should receive at that 
time a more generous diet of strengthening and 
stimulating food. A rusty nail placed in his drink- 
ing water will have a wholesome effect, and this 
may be done at any time that the bird sliows a 
tendency to diarrlnea, a disease which frequently 
affects him. The claws of a Bullfinch grow rapidly, 
and should be trimmed whenever their length 
seems to be a hindrance in leaving tlie perch. He 
should not be frightened, nor caught unnecessarily. 
While he is more subject to diseases, probably, than 
some other birds, it is nevertheless true that proper 
care will prevent any discomfort in his life, or dis- 
continuance in his song, other than the exceptions 
noted in the natural process of moulting. 

Chaffinch [FringlUa cadebs). The Chafiinch is 
a favorite cage-bird in some parts of Continental 



64 



CAGE-BIRDS. 



Europe, but the Euglisli do not value it hig-bly, as 
it remains in song only a part of the year. Early 
in the season, while winter still lingers in the lap 
of spring, the sweet song of the Chaffinch may be 
heard on every hand, a pleasing intimation that 
sunshine and good weather are close at hand. 
During the spring, and until the middle of the 




rilAKKIXCH. 



summer, the warblings of this ])ird are freqnent, 
the lirst heard of all the songs of the vei'ual and 
matin choristers. During the remainder of the 
year he is entirely silent, and no circumstances 
seem sufficient to call fortli one note of melody. 
In the Low Countries a great act of cruelty is per- 
petrated upon the caged Chaffinch. To prolong 



EUROPEAN SONGSTERS. 65 

his powers of song, his eyes are seared oat with a 
hot iron, and the unfortunate chorister is doomed 
to a life of gloom. 

"How the song of birds is involved in mystery! Mystery probably 
never to be explained. While sauntering up and down the Continent in 
the blooming month of May, we hear the frequent warblings of the Chaf- 
finch : and then we fancy he is singing solely to beguile the incubation of 
his female, sitting on her nest in a bush close at hand. Bvit on returning 
to the town we notice another little Chaffinch, often in some wretched 
alley, a prisoner with the loss of both his eyes, and singing nevertheless as 
though his little heart would burst. Does this blind captive pour forth its 
melody in order to soothe its sorrows? Has Omnipotence kindly endowed 
the Chaffinch with vocal faculties which at one time may be employed to 
support it in distress, and at another time to add to its social enjoyments? 
What answer shall we make? We know not what to say; but be it as it 
will, I would not put out the ej'es of the poor Chaffinch, though by doing 
so I might render its melody ten times sweeter than that of the sweet 
Nightingale itself." — Wateetox. 

II. — Soft-Billed Birds. 

Nightingale [FhUomela lascbiia). Although uni- 
versally esteemed for his musical capabilities, the 
[N^ightingale is devoid of all attractiveness in appear- 
ance. " N"ature," says a writer, "has compensated 
for its plainness by giving it a voice irresistibly 
charming. Listen to its tine, long, quivering notes. 
What variety, sweetness and brilliancy in them I 
It seems to study and compose beforehand the 
melodious notes it wishes to be heard. It begins 
softly ; then the notes swell gradually, till they run 
with the torpidity of a torrent ; it goes from serious 
to gay, from simple notes to the wildest warbling, 
from the lightest turns and shakes to languishing 



66 



CAGE-BIRDS. 



sighs, and has throughout tlie wliole the art to 
please the nicest ear." 

The hahitat of this lurd inchides nearly tlie 
whole of Europe and a portion of Asia, some of 
the warmer countries heing |)articularly favored ]>y 
his presence in aljundance. Pleasant groves near 
running waters are his haunts, and there h^s "most 




ni(;htin(;ale. 



musical, most melancholy " notes are very sure to 
be heard after his arrival in the spring. At night, 
when other songsters are silent in repose, this king 
of musicians reigns supreme. Anxious to please 
his mate, he exerts his strength of voice to the 
utmost, and so beguiles the weary hours ot dark- 
ness. The ISTightingale is easil)^ trapped, and with 
proper care he may be kept in song during the 
greater portion of the year, althougli his choicest 
music will be produced during his natural mating 



EUROPEAN SONGSTERS. 67 

season. He may often be incited to sing when 
otherwise silent, by placing bis cage near that of 
another songster, whose music he will zealously 
attempt to silence. He is a voracious feeder, and 
not only enjoys^ but requires, a good variety of 
rich food. The prepared Mocking-bird food should 
be given hirn daily, and ants' eggs, previously 
soaked until soft, may be added. Meal-worms are 
much relished, and when fed several times during 
the week, will do much toward keeping the bird 
in song. liipe fruit and berries may also be given 
frequently in their season, but must not be permit- 
ted to remain in the cage after they have become 
stale. Utmost cleanness and daily supplies of 
gravel and water will not only afford comfort to 
the bird, but will prevent an annoying complaint, 
that of sore feet, to which he is quite subject. 
Those who have been successful in keeping a 
Nightingale for a long time in confinement, are of 
the opinion that the diseases that are apt to end 
his career as a cage-pet are due to ignorance or 
neglect in feeding. 

Skylark [Alaiula arvcnsis). Scarcely less famous 
than the Nightingale, the Skjdark is more generally 
diffused over the whole of Europe, and familiar to 
all classes. Unlike nearly all other songsters, his 
sweetest music is produced when flying. Leaving 



68 CAGE-BIRDS. 

the meadow's breast at the first intimation of the 
approach of the king of day, this sweetest of all 
matin minstrels cleaves the air heavenward, sing- 
ing as he soars, until his form has disappeared 
from view. As a cage-bird the Skylark is a great 
favorite in Europe. He is remarkably hardy, a 
prime feeder, and quite docile. He sings well in 
confinement, but his cage should be adapted to his 
natural habits. One witli a semi-circular and re- 
volving front is especially manufactured for the 
Lark, and should always be procured for him. I^o 
perches are necessary, as this bird always rests on 
the ground. The roof of the cage should be cov- 
ered by a cloth, in order to prevent this aerial 
songster Irom injuring himself, for true to his nat- 
ural habits, he attempts at times to soar, but dis- 
covers in an abrupt nuinner that his surroundings 
are unfavorable to such sport. Green sod should 
be kept in the semi-circular apartment of the cage, 
upon which he will delight to rest and to warble 
liis sweetest songs. The Skylark never bathes, 
and a bathing dish is, therefore, an unnecessary 
piece of furniture. Instead of a water bath, he 
loves to dust himself in fine sand, after the manner 
of domestic fowls, and thus, strange to say, he 
keeps himself clean and free from insect pests. 
His regular food is the Mocking-bird mixture, })re- 
pared with raw grated carrot, plenty of fresh veg- 



EUROPEAN SONGSTERS. 



69 



etables, and some seeds. Insects he will relish at 
all times, and these may be given him quite freely, 
without fear of surfeit. Drinking water, of course, 
he needs fresh daily, and plei.ty of line sand for 
his bath. His cage should be placed out of doors 
when tlie Aveather permits, as sunshine and fresh 
air will remind him of his native heaths, and there- 
by incite him to song. 




BLACKCAP. 



Black-cap [Silvia atricapilla). This shy wood- 
land minstrel has been termed the " Mock-nightin- 
gale," owing to the excellence of his natural song, 
and his mimic powers make him not an unworthy 
rival of the American Mocking-bird. He is a 
small bird, hardly larger than a Oawary, his color 
being various shades of gray, except the jet black 
of the crown, from which he derives his name. 
The Black-cap is naturally a shy bird, frequenting 
orchards and gardens, where he obtains his favorite 
food, and except when feeding he seldom reveals 



70 CAGE-BIRDS. 

liiniself to the familiar scrutiny of man. His food 
consists of insects of all kinds and tlie various wild 
fruits and berries; lie is particnlarlj fond of elder 
berries, and such i'ood in great variet}^ should 
always be permitted him in continement. 

Under })ro[>er conditions, the Black-cap proves 
one of the most satisfactory of cage-songsters ; few 
birds, howevei", reijuire so much attention and care. 
When earnestly engaged in singing, he sits calmly 
and gives utterance to notes so sweet and w^ell 
modulated that even the Nightingale might not be 
ashamed of them. 

Starling [Sfarnus vulgaris). One of the com- 
monest Ijirds of Europe is the Starling, which is 
about the size of a small Blackbii'd. He is desira- 
ble as a cao:e-l)ird on account of his handsome 
plumage, docile manners, pleasing song, and his 
aptness to repeat short plirases and to whistle tunes. 
The plumage of the bird is dark, beautifully glossed 
l)y varying shades of green and pui'])le, pale yellow 
spots marking the end of the feathers. 

Some (HK'er actions of the Starlings are deseribeil in the "Journal of a 
Naturalist '" as follows: •• They vastly delight, on a bright autumnal morn- 
ing, to sit basking and preening themselves on the summit of a tree, ehat- 
ting all together in a low, song-like note. There is something singularly 
curious and mysterious in the conduct of these birds previous to their 
nightly retirement, by the variety and intricacy of the evolutions they 
I'xeeiite at that time. They will form themselves, perhaps, in a triangle, 
then shoot into a long, pear-shai)ed figure, exi)and like a sheet, wheel into 
a ball, as Pliny observes, each individual striving to get into the center, 
etc., Avith a promptitude more like parade movements than the actions of 
birds." 



EUROPEAN SONGSTERS. 71 

The Starling is generally insectivorous, but fre- 
quently partakes of grain, seeds, and berries; of 
cherries he is said also to be particularly fond. He 
takes readily to confinement, and so docile does he 
become that he may be allowed the liberty of the 
house, and he will amuse its inmates by the most 
ludicrous tricks and mimicking misdemeanors. 
Tunes he whistles almost as cleverly as the Bull- 
iinch, and phrases, often of some length he will 
learn to repeat. Feed him regularly upon the pre- 
pared Mocking-bird food, as recommended for all 
soft-billed birds, but do not neglect to furnish him 
a supply of insects. No bird is less fastidious in 
his tastes, as he will partake of anything proffered 
him without grumbling about the character of his 
repast. Bathing he particularly enjoys, taking to 
water much in tlie manner of the duck, loving to 
fuss and splutter, thus wetting everything in the 
vicinity of the cage. 

If it is desired to teacl^a Starling to whistle an 
air, it should be frequently I'epeated to him daily 
for two or three months, when he will be able to 
produce it with accuracy and linisli. A young bird, 
of course, learns the easiest, sometimes acquiring 
several tunes which he is able to reproduce per- 
fectly. 




CHAPTER VII. 



American Songsters. 

THE birds of America are celebrated not only 
for the variety and excellence of their mn- 
sical utterances, but for the beauty of their 
plumage. No songsters of any portion of the 
world excel them in either qualification. Bird- 
breeding and bird-trapping, liowever, have never 
been engaged in so extensively^ in this country as 
in the Old World, probably owing to the busy pur- 
suits of our countrymen, wdio have not the time, 
even should they have the inclination, to care for 
and train cage-pets. The relative merits of native 



AMERICAN SONGSTERS. 73 

and foreign songsters will probably never be decided 
satisfactorily, owing partly to national prejudices 
and partlj to the widely (lifi:ering characters of 
song represented. The American Mocking-bird, 
which is the acknowledged king of native musi- 
cians, has not onh^ an attractive song of his own, 
but possesses mimic powers in such a high degree 
that even the notes of the Nightingale are correctly 
imitated. But both these birds differ widely in 
style and execution, making a comparison all the 
more difficult, if not entirely useless. Very many 
American birds might be enumerated which make 
worthy cage-pets, but owing to the limits of this 
work only the most prominent songsters will ])e 
described. 

I. — Seed-eating Birds. 

Goldfinch (Spinvs tristis). The beautiful plum- 
age of the Yellow-bird, or Wild Canary, his undu- 
lating flight, and agreeal)le twitter while on the 
wing, and his frequent visits to city gardens, have 
made him familiar to every one. His song is pleas- 
ing, though not powerful, yet similar in style to the 
Goldfinch of Europe. He makes his advent in the 
Northern United States early in the spring, fre- 
quently in small flocks, the males of which may 
often be heard in concert uttering their short, twit- 



74 CA(iE-BIRDS. 

tei'ing- notes. Mai\y of these songsters are trapped 
yearly, and few birds are more easily domesticated. 
They soon learn to love their new homes and their 
keepers, and show hy their atfectionate manner 
their appreciation of all favors. So docile will a 
Goldiincli become that he may be permitted to flit 
al)ont the house manifesting no feai' of the approach 
of any of its inmates. His ability to perform smart 
tricks is remarkable ; for under competent instruc- 
tion the most difficult of tricks are learned in a 
short time. 

The food of the Goldfinch in coniinement should 
be much similar to that of the Canary, with the 
exception that maw-seed and occasionally a few 
grains of hemp may be added to his daily supplies. 
The male Finch may be mated with the female 
Canary, but the progeny is not sufficiently desirable 
to warrant the trouble. The mating season of this 
bird is later than that of any other of our native 
songsters, as it is not until July that the first brood 
is reared. The nest is usually lined with the down 
of tlie thistle, and the seeds of the same plant 
furnish nutriment to the young birds. 

Indigo Bunting (^Passerina cyanea). Among the 
birds that return to their northern homes with the 
first appearance of congenial spring weather is the 
Indigo Bunting, and no bird is more welcomed by 



AMERICAN SONGSTERS. 75 

those who love to study and admire the feathered 
tribes in their natural haunts. He is about the 
size of a German Canary, yet his handsome uniform 
of blue renders him a conspicuous object among 
the half-formed foliage of the trees. This bird is 
certainly one of the most delightful of our native 
songsters, his notes being sprightly, cheerful and 
frequent. Tlie color of the female Indigo is a blue 
duller than the male's, and intermixed with russet, 
this being the plumage, also, of the young males. 
The Indigo is easily trapped, and submits readily 
to continement. He will sing most of the year, 
the [trincipal exception being during the moulting 
season. He is a very desirable bird for the aviary, 
as his beautiful blue plumage is in marked contrast 
with the ordinar}^ hues of other songsters. He is 
a sociable bird, and learns easily many bird tricks, 
his sprightly musical qualifications rendering him 
a general favorite. His food should consist of the 
ordinary canary and millet mixture, together with 
a plentiful supply of insects, of which he is very 
fond. When well cared for he will live from seven 
to ten years in confinement. 

Nonpareil [Passerina ciris). The Konpareil is 
the name of a handsomely plumaged bird, about 
the size of the foregoing species, found throughout 
the Southern States. He is also well known as the 



76 



CAGE-BIRDS. 



Painted Buiitini!,-, owino; to his many Lriglit colors. 
Greatnunibersot these pretty songsters are taken by 
bird-trapping negroes of tlie Sonth tor tlie North- 
ern bird-market. Tlie l)ird is easily domesticated; 
in an incredildy short time lie becomes reconciled 
to his new manner of life, and soon learns to accept 
fties and other insects from the hand. His regnlar 
feed should be canary-seed and millet in equal 
proportions, and l)eing fond of insects, he should 
not be denied them. He is remarkal)ly free from 
disease, and with plenty of sunshine, a daily bath, 
and a supply of graA-el, he will prove to be a thing 
of beauty and a joy for about ten years. 




BOBOLINK. 



Bobolink [DoHc/whijj: oryzioonis). Nature has|no 
happier minstrel than the Bo])olink. Watch him 



AMERICAN SON(;STERS. 77 

frolicking with his fellows over yon clover-blown 
meadow, and listen to his ecstatic niusic as he cir- 
cles through the air, then say if you have ever 
known such a })ersonilication of merriment. Like 
the Skylark, the Bobolink ])ro(luces his finest 
songs when on the wing; but often, from amidst 
the foliage of an a[)ple-tree laden with bloom, 
his wonderful music Inirsts forth 

As it" for a time a l)l(>ssoiii vavv 

Had started to life and son.u, 
To mount with the winds to the iipi)er air 

And die while tioatinu' alonii". 

Early May witnesses his advent in Ohio, but in 
the New England States he is spoken of as a June 
arrival. He is found generally over the Eastern 
United States, immigrating early in the season to 
the South, wdiere he feeds u[)()n the rice crops of 
the Southern planter. Tliere great numbers of 
Bobolinks, better known as the Kice-birds among 
the planters, are killed and served up presently to 
tickle the palates of epicures. 

During tlie breeding season tlie male Bobolink 
difiers essentially from the female. He is for the 
most part Ijlack, the hind head yellowish white; 
scapulars, runi]), and tail-covers white, tinged with 
ash. His length is seven and one-half inches. 

The Bobolink thi'ives well in a cage. He is a 
voracious feeder, and to prevent his growing too 



78 



CAGE-BIRDS. 



fat to sing, only the simplest food should be given 
him. He should not l)e confined in a small cage, 
as that would atfoi'd him too limited means of 
exercise, and exercise he needs, and }>lenty of it. 
Gravel must be sup})lied him, and a daily bath. 
1^0 dainties are permissibk'. His pi-incipal seed 
should be canary and uidiulled rice, and these 
ought to be given only in limited (piantities at a 
time. The Bobolink is perfectly hardy, living in 
confinement with pro|)er cai'e about as long as any 
other bird. On account of his gluttonous habits 
he is untit for an aviary, as he would be sure not 
only to over-teed himself, but to I'ob his fellows of 
their daily bread. 




REDBIRJ). 



Cardinal (Irosreak { ('(irdhudis Virginiayius"^, 
The Redbird, as this Grosbeak is familiarly called, 



AMERICAN SONGSTERS. 79 

is too well known to require description. In many 
homes in this his native country he is a great favor- 
ite ; in Europe, also, he is admired for his beauty 
and his sprightly manner. His habitat is the 
Southern States and the country as far north as 
Central Ohio and Pennsylvania, being resident 
w4ierever found tlirougliout the year. He is easily 
domesticated, and lives, if properly cared for, 
many years in conlinement. He becomes greatly 
attached to the one who attends to him, manifest- 
ing the greatest pleasure upon being noticed or 
petted. In his wild state he is very pugnacious, 
this trait I'endering him an easy prey to the snares 
of the tra[)per. No sooner does his keen eye 
notice the "call-bird" of his would-be possessor 
than he makes a rush at him, which too often for 
the Cardinal proves to be his hist, since he quickly 
finds himself shut in behind prison-bars, a life 
prisoner because of his desire to light. But woe 
to the unlucky hand that at such a time comes 
within reach of his powerful beak. This he some- 
times uses to such good advantage that he often 
compels his captor to release him in alarm, thus 
affording him escape. The Redbird will breed in 
confineraent, but being so quickly taken and so 
easily domesticated the trouble of breeding is not 
usually undertaken. Tfie female is preferred by 
some to the male, as she is considered a good singer, 



80 CAGE-BIRUS. 

her voice being more mellow and sweet than the 
male's ; the latter possesses a greater variety of 
notes, besides executing them with more spirit. 

The Redbird requires a good-sized cage, which 
should be kept properly cleaned. He will enjoy a 
daily bath, and will execute a "song and dance" 
if treated to a meal-worm occasionally, or for a 
change, to a littk' grated beef. Too much of such 
food, however, will at times prove injurious. Feed 
regularly a mixture of hemp and canary-seed, 
together with unhulled rice or suntlower-seed. 
Bits of apple or of boiled potato will be greatly 
relished, and a regular supply of gravel for the 
bottom of the cage should not be wanting. The 
diseases of the Redbird are few, and, like all bird 
ailments, are due to neglect of sanitary conditions 
or unwholesome feeding. 

Brazilian Cardinal. South America furnishes 
the bird-fanciers of the world with the Gray or 
Brazilian Cardinal, a beautiful, crested songster, 
much less brilliant than our own Cardinal, but 
resembling- him in s^enei'al chaiacteristics. The 
plumage of this bird is considerably diversified, 
the head, crest and throat being a pronounced 
scarlet, the body below a greyish white, the back 
dark gray, the wings and tail darker shades of the 
same color. His leufftli is about seven inches. 



AMERICAN SONGSTERS. 81 

Although his musical talents are not of the highest 
rank, his song is melodious, not as loud as the Red- 
bird's but tilled by a degree of sweetness that is 
quite pleasing to the listener's ear. The transition 
from the warm atmosphere of the tropics to an 
abode in the cool temperate zone does not seem to 
affect the bird adversely; he is rarely found to be 
sick. His food is unhuUed rice and canary-seed, 
a few meal-worms or insects being fed him occa- 
sionally. Water must be furnished him daily for 
bathing purposes, and plenty of gravel. His hab- 
its are very similar to those of the Redbird, and 
his general treatment need not differ from that of 
the latter species. 

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (Habia ludovicinia). 
The habitat of this beautiful songster is the East- 
ern United States north to Southern Canada. It 
cannot be said to be altogether rare, but ownng to 
its secluding habits it is seldom seen by casual 
observers. Deep woodland and secluded river 
banks are its favorite abodes, and there, unobserved 
by curious man, its wonderful song is produced. 

The Grosbeak is one of the showiest of sons:- 
sters, and respecting animation, his musical quali- 
fications are said to surpass even those of the 
Mocking-bird. Although a desirable bird for the 
cage, the Grosbeak is seldom met with in confine- 



82 CAGE-BIRDS. 

ment. He is a voracious feeder, and like the 
Bobolink, fre(|nently lills himself to satiety. To 
this cause his diseases, which are few, are princi- 
pally due. Too much food, therefore, should not 
be given him at one time. Canary-seed, unhulled 
rice and hemp-seed may be fed for a regular diet, 
and occasionally some Mocking-bird food, a meal- 
worm, or ri[)e fruit, may l)e added to his usual fare. 
He enjoys loathing, and will continue to use the 
bathing-watei" as long as it remains in the cage. 
It is better to withdraw it as soon as he has under- 
gone one thorough aljlution. 



II. — SoFT-BiLLEi) Birds. 

MoCKiN(;-j!jRi) [Minuis Poh/(/loffiis). The Mock- 
ing-bird is a [>arag(jn in the musical world. In 
addition to his well-known [towers of mimicry, his 
voice possesses an exquisite sweetness, while his 
sprightly and gi-acefid form and intelligent manner 
till the o])server with admii-ation. He belono-s to 
the great family of Thrushes, all of which are 
remarkal)le for tlieir volubility and mimic powders. 
The home of the Mocking-l/ird is in the South 
Atlantic and Gulf States, Avliere he breeds in great 
numbers. He is migratory as far north as Ohio 
and Pennsylvania, but his occurrence is rare north 
of the Ohio River. The female is remarkably like 



AMERICAN SONGSTERS. 83 

the male in plumage, and in some instances, prob- 
ably rare, has proved that she is not always an 
unworth}' songster. She sometimes possesses the 
distinctive wing-markings of the male, so that 
even an expert fails to determine the sex of young 
birds correctly. 

"To examine the wiii.yfol' the Mocking-bird, to distinyuisli the sex, 
catch the bird tirmlv iu the left baud, and extend either wing to the fullest 
extent with the right, looking at the wing on the upper side ; the white col- 
oring will be observed to be longest on the feathers nearest the tip of the 
wing; the extent of white coloring gra,dually diminishes on the feathers 
nearest the body, and in the case of~the perfect-marked male bird resem- 
bles somewhat the segment of a circle, and in some localities has received 
the name of half-moon. The three longer primaries which have the white 
color will be found to have no dark markings, or splashings intermixed 
with the white. If the white markings are splashed or do not extend 
directly across the feathers, the bird. may be a female. In rare cases, four 
of the feathers are unmistakably marked with clear white, and these are 
considered perfect-marked birds, and recognized as males to a certainty. 
The birds which have two feathers and a half clear, the two longer white- 
colored feathers perfect and a si)lash or dark mark, on the white on one 
side of the quill of the third feather, are generally males, though females 
are sometimes so marked. The white color on the feathers of the female 
bird will be found to be splashed ami irregularly marked throughout." — 
Holden, 

The Mocking-bird will breed in confinement, 
and the young are less shy than the captured birds 
on account of long domestication. In the South 
the young birds are taken from the nest when they 
are three weeks old, and fed by hand by tlieir negro 
captors. Traps are set for those that have escaped 
capture in the nest. The birds are i-eady for the 
market in June, and may be supplied during the 
remainder of the summer. The full musical, pow- 
ers of the Mocking-bird are not developed during 



84 



CAGE-BIRDS. 



the first year; indeed, it is not until the third year 
that lie reaches the eminence of perfection, lie 
should then be a prime musician. This bird is 
remarkably hardy, and with }»roper care will live 
to delight his owner for some twenty or more years. 
His requirements are not many, but they should 




MOCKING-BIRD. 



not be neglected if one would keep his pet free 
from disease. A large, roomy cage should be his 
domicile, kept scrupulously clean and free from 
draught, a plentiful su[)ply of gravad being kept in 
the drawer. Tlie bird should have a bath daily, 
and a sufficiency of tVesli drinking water at all 



AMERICAN SONGSTERS. 85 

times. He is a voracious eater, but this is natural, 
as he is a busy fellow, and busy fellows must have 
good food and plenty of it. 

Most of the diseases to whicli tlie Mockinof-bird 
is subject result from improper diet ; care should 
be taken, therefore, not to neglect to feed the bird 
wholesomely, and not to permit his drinking water 
to become stale. Feed daily the prepared Mock- 
ing-bird food mixed with grated raw carrot. For 
variety, there may be fed occasionally a mixture of 
hard-boiled egg and potato in the proportion of 
two parts of potato to one of egg. Ripe fruits 
and berries are much relished by the bird, and are 
beneficial. Soaked ants' eggs, which may be ob- 
tained from dealers, meal-worms, insects and spiders 
form a very rich and nourishing addition to the 
diet. These are always welcomed by the bird, but 
they should not be given too often. 

As has been said above, the diseases of the Mock- 
ing-bird, as well as those of caged songsters in 
general, are due to neglect. Prevention of such 
troubles will be found to be always better than a 
cure. Constipation may be relieved by feedinfi^ 
jtlenty of fresh green stuff, insects and meal-worms 
for a few days. If this does not afford relief, give 
a few drops of castor oil. Diarrhcea, which is gen- 
erally caused by foul drinking water or stale food, 
yields to a change of diet, for a short period, to 



86 CAGE-BIRDS. 

crusts of bread soaked in boiled milk, and a scanty 
supply of insects and other dainties during the 
continuance of the trouble. The pij) is an annoy- 
ing and dangerous trouble, usually caused by tak- 
ing cold. If your bird does not sing and refuses 
to feed as usual, catch liim and examine his tongue. 
There may be found on it a horny scale, which 
must be removed with great care. Commence at 
the base of the tongue, and by means of a blunt 
knife or linger-nail, peel otf the scale towards the 
tip of the tongue. A few dro}>s of glycerine then 
placed on the tongue will serve to heal it. 

Brown Thrasher {Haiyorhynehas rafus). In the 
Northern States the Brown Thrush, or Thrasher 
as it is called, is a wortliy rival of tlie Southern 
Mocking-bird. The powers of mimicry of this 
bird are certainly remarkable. Perched on a high 
branch of a tree, he may often be heard uttering 
his mellow cadences, making his notes resound for 
a long distance. In color he is attractive as well 
as in song. Ilis back and tail are of a reddish- 
brown, his under parts white, the breast being 
thickly spotted with black. The colors of the 
female are somewhat duller, and the spots fewer 
and less distinct upon the breast. The Thrasher 
has arrived in his northern abodes early in May ; 
thick underbrush is his favorite resort. While not 



AMERICAN SONGSTERS. 87 

SO shy as some species of his family, he is never- 
theless not anxious for ohservation, and whisks 
away into the brush whenever any intruder upon 
his solitude presents himself. He may be distin- 
guished from the Wood Thrush, which he much 
resembles, by his great length, that being not less 
than eleven inches, while that of the Wood Thrush 
does not exceed eight. Like the Robin, his favor- 
ite hours for singing are the early morning, when 
the rays of the coming king of day are wreathing 
the forest tops, and the evening, when the setting 
luminar}' is laying his rosy fingers in benediction 
upon the woodland monarchs. This Thrush is 
seldom seen caged. Why this should be so it is 
not easy to see, as few birds certainly present 
greater attractions, and few, it any, can excel the 
Thrasher in intelligence. The best birds for the 
cage are those taken from the nest and fed by hand 
until large enough to attend to their own wants. 
The nest is usually found in a heap of underbrush, 
the young being four to six in number. The hab- 
its of the Thrasher are similar to those of the 
Mocking-bird, and his treatment differs in no way 
from that of the latter species. The largest-sized 
Mocking-bird cage should be selected for him. 

Wood Thrush (Turdus ynustilinus). This Thrush 
is known to every student of bird-life as one of the 



88 CAGE-BIRDS. 

sweetest ot woodland minstrels. Naturally shy, 
he is to be found only in thickly wooded places, 
where his sw^eet voice is sure to be lieard even if his 
form remains unseen. In appearance he is much 
like the preceding species, his length being between 
seven and eight inches. He })Ossesses tine natural 
powers of song, in a(hliiion to whicli he is an 
accomplished mimic. Morning an.d evening are 
his favorite periods for singing, yet frequently 
through the day liis voice nuiy be lieard ringing 
through the woodland. When caged, the Wood 
Thrush should l)e given the same treatment as the 
Mocking hi I'd, and a small-sized Mocking-bird 
cage is best a(Ui})ted for him. 

Cat-bird (^Galeosco'ptcs caroU iiensls) . Every visitor 
to the country becomes acquainted with the dark- 
plumaged, gari'ulous Cat-l)ird, who inquisitively 
introduces himself, time aftei" time, with his quaint 
mew. Any loud or unusual noise, instead of driv- 
ing him farther away, brings him nearer, like an 
inquisitive busy-body wdio wants " to know, you 
know," all about the matter. Every schoohboy 
knows him and threatens him, every farmer de- 
spises him and molests liim. He is very fond of 
the farmer's cherries, and is not averse to taking a 
bee now and then ; so his life must be forfeited 
quite often for such misdemeanors. But if the 



AMERICAN SONGSTERS. 89 

farmer would pause to consider that the Cat-bird, 
and some other birds as well, devours many insect 
pests during the year that w^ould otherwise destroy 
more fruit than many birds could possibly consume, 
he might learn to regard this innocent and sociable 
bird as one of liis best friends. 

The Cat-bird is a very good songster, his notes 
resembling those of the Thrushes [)reviously de- 
scribed, and although seldom seen caged, few birds 
prove more satisfactory as cage-pets. Whether in 
his wild or domesticated state, he never exhibits 
feai' on any account, seeming perfectly trustful in 
the good intentions of all comers. Tlie regular 
Mocking-bird cage is best adapted for him. His 
food sliould be tlie regular mixture, fed with grated 
raw carrot, m addition to which give plenty of 
insects and occasionally some bits of raw beef. 
Plenty of fresh ripe fruit is also essential, berries 
in their season being particularly relished. 

Scarlet Tanager (^Piranga erythromelas). The 
most gorgeous songster of our continent is v/ithout 
doubt the Scarlet Tanager. If his song is given 
an inferior rank, his beauty cannot be called in 
question. His size is about that of the Wood 
Thrusli, his colors scarlet and black, the wings and 
tail being of the latter. The female is a clear 
olive-green, below clear greenish-yellow, wings and 



90 CAGE-BIRDS. 

tail dusky, ed^ed with olive. The colors of the 
male undergo a transformation in the fall, becom- 
ing much like those of the female. This bird may 
be frequently seen in sunlit woodland and along 
the banks of streams during the early part of May, 
but soon after he retires with his mate to unfre- 
quented woods to breed. His ordinary note is a 
sharp " cliuck," easily distinguished from the utter- 
ances of other birds. His song, which is heard 
more frequently during the breeding season, con- 
sists in a succession of warblings similar to a 
liobin's, wholly unpretentious but not unpleasing. 
*' His song is given," says a writer, '' after the man- 
ner of a ventriloquist; for although he may be at 
a considerable distance from you, the notes appear 
as though coming from a point directly above. 
This is, no doubt, a power bestowed on him as a 
protection from the danger to which his brilliant 
colors expose him."' 

The Tanager should be confined in the regular 
sized Mocking-bird cage, and fed the prepared food 
in the usual manner. Ripe fruits, tigs, and dried 
currants after being moistened with water, may be 
supplied abundantly ; ants' eggs and meal-worms 
are always relished and beneficial. Highly plum- 
aged birds have usually tender skins, and are very 
susceptible to changes in temperature; it shonld 
be seen to, therefore, that a sufficient warmth, par- 



AMERICAN SONGSTERS. 91 

ticularly in winter, is maintained where the Tana- 
ger's cage is hung. With a good supply of food 
in variety, and a proper attention to hygienic con- 
ditions, there is little reason wh}^ the Tanager can 
not be kept as long as other birds. 




BALTIMORE ORIOLE. 

Baltimore Oriole {Icterus galhidd). In point of 
beauty the Scarlet Tanager is not far in advance 
of the Oriole, or Golden Robin as it is sometimes 
called, certainly one of the most interesting birds 
of our American fauna. The lively whistle of this 
bird as he flits from branch to branch of sunlit 
trees in search of dainty morsels, is sure to please 
the ear, while his dainty form delights the eye. 
The latter part of April witnesses his advent, and 



92 CAGE-BIRDS. 

from that time tbroiighout the summer he is to be 
met with along the borders of streams and in open 
woodland. Tbe nest of the Oriole is hung from 
the end of the branch of a tree, often at a consid- 
erable height and usually over water. The young 
are therefore difficult to take, although occasionally 
an opportunity might be given to acquire them. 
The colors of the Oriole are black and orange ; 
the head, throat, wings and middle feathers of the 
tail are of the former color, the lower part of the 
back, breast and under parts being of the latter. 
The colors of the female are dull and unattractive. 
The song of the Oriole consists of a few whistled 
notes frequently repeated as he flits abstractedly 
among the green foliage of the trees. He feeds 
upon the tender buds and upon a variety of insects 
that he linds infesting the branches. His food in 
confinement should be the Mocking-l)ird mixture 
and the usual sup[)ly of meal-worms, ants' eggs, 
and, in fact, almost all varieties of caterpillars^ 
bugs and beetles. These are essential to his wel- 
fare, as they form his principal food in his wild 
state, and if not supplied with them regularly, he 
is apt to languish and die. 

Orchard Oriole (Icterus sparius), is a near rela- 
tive of the Baltimore, and likewise an excellent 
songster. His colors are black and chestnut wdien 



AMERICAN SONGSTERS. 93 

his plumage is perfect. His habits are similar to 
those of the preceding species, and 1 is food and 
treatment in conlinenient are likewise the same. 

Troopial (Cassicus icteronolus). South America 
furnishes bird-lovers with the handsome Troopial, 
which reminds oneof our BaltimoreOriole, although 
the size of the former much exceeds that of the 
latter. The head and throat, the wings, and a 
portion of the tail are black, while the body is 
orange. The Troopial is easily domesticated when 
taken from his forest home, and soon becomes a 
great favorite with his owner. His food consists 
principally of fruit, insects, and dainties of all 
sorts, as he is a gluttonous feeder, his fondness for 
rich food being frequently a cause for future ail- 
ments. The feeding of the Troopial should be 
much like that of the Mocking-bird, the prepared 
food being furnished him daily, mixed with grated 
carrot. Ripe tropical fruit, such as bananas and 
oranges, and occasionally spiders and meal-worms, 
should be given in variety. A large-sized Mock- 
ing-bird's cage is the best for him, but he soon 
learns to make himself at home if permitted the 
freedom of the house. Bathing being a favorite 
occupation with the Troopial, a plentiful supply of 
water should he furnished daily for that purpose. 
He is subject to few diseases if properly cared for, 



94 



CAGE-BIRDS. 



and will live for many years in confinement. The 
natural song of this bird is rich and mellow; 
although his notes are not many, they are quite 
agreeable. He has a retentive memory, and soon 
learns to repeat a tune whistled or played to him 
on a flute or other instrument. 




CHAPTER VIII. 



Talking Pets. 

THE well-knov^'ii ability of many birds to 
imitate the sounds of the human voice has 
made such for all time a favorite class of 
household pets. Some possess this j)ower in a very 
hi£:h degree, while others are capable of having a 
few words only fastened upon their abstruse brains. 
Two distinct classes of birds manifest the power 
of articulation with more or less intelligence, viz.: 
the Psittacidac or Parrot family, and the Cor^vidae, 
to which may be added the Sturnidae or Starlings, 
some of wdiich are quite capable of instruction. 
The first-named family comprises the Parrots and 
Paroquets, Cockatoos, Macaws and Lories ; to the 
second belong the Crows, Ravens, Rooks, Magpies 
and Jackdaws. The common Starling of Europe 
and the Talking Minor of Asia, which is classed as 
a species of Sturnidae, often prove themselves quite 
proficient in a conversational way. 

I. PSITTACIDAE. 

Parrots and Paroquets. Xo birds are generally 
recognized as so apt to reproduce the sounds of the 
human voice as the Parrots, a genus that comprises 



96 



CAGE-BIRDS. 



many species iiiliabiting' various parts of the globe. 
The favorite habitat of the true Parrots is the lux- 
uriant regions of the torrid zone, but some species 
are to be met with lully forty-five degrees of lati- 
tude from the equator, both north and south. 
They are known to be long-lived birds, usually mov- 
ing in flocks, and feeding upon the seeds and fruits 
of tropical plants. Wlien taken young the Parrot 
submits readily to confinement, and soon becomes 

a spoiled pet of the houseliold. 
(Treat numbei's of these birds 
are captured during the breed- 
ing season by the native Inrd- 
hunters, and shipped to the va- 
rious countries in which tliere 
exists a demand for them. 
They reach our market in the 
early fall when the birds are 
some five or six months old, 

and are sold at prices varying 
PARROT. . . . 

in accordance with kind and 

intelligence. Tlie difficulty of distinguishing 

male from female Parrots is very great; both 

birds are the same in size and coloration, and 

are ecpially capable of being taught, so that only 

an expert can approach to any Ivuowledge in this 

regard. It is possibly on tliis account that every 

Parrot is called " Polly," but why "Polly" should 




TALKIXCi PETS. 97 

always " want a cracker " is not so easily explained. 
Parrots are seldom bred in confinement, yet there 
is no reason to doubt that breeding could be suc- 
cessfully accomplished if proper arrangements were 
made for the purpose. In their native state they 
form nesting settlements in some inaccessible places, 
and make their nests in holes in trees, excavated, 
possibly, by friendly Woodpeckers or by the females 
themselves. The parent birds are strongly attached 
to their young, and will fight lustily for their pro- 
tection. 

Parrots learn to speak just what they are accus- 
tomed to hear, and their memory in recalling words 
heard possibly months before they are repeated, is 
truly remarkable. After being placed under in- 
struction, from four to twelve months usually 
elapse before a bird essays to talk. It takes a long- 
time, it seems, for the bird to make up his mind to 
venture upon such a remarkable career as that of 
an orator, but when he once does so he adds to his 
vocabulary almost daily some new and startling 
expression. The stories told of Parrots are no 
doubt often exaggerated, but instances are authen- 
tically vouched for in wdiich these birds have made 
use of expressions with little less than a human 
understanding of their significance. 

A lady once owned a Parrot that was very fond 
of pickles, and no opportunity was lost by it to 



98 CAGE-BIRDS. 

pilfer tlieni if they could not be otherwise obtained. 
For such misdemeanors he was scolded and whipped 
time after time, but still liis evil propensities con- 
tinued. One day, being caught by the cook in the 
very act of abstracting his favorite morsel from 
the pickle-dish, that highly irate person threw at 
poor Polly a pailful of scalding water. Incensed 
at such shabby treatment, the Parrot sulkily re- 
fused to be petted or to have anything to say. To 
make matters worse, all the feathers on the head 
dropped off, until Polly was decidedly bald. Sev- 
eral months elapsed, and the lady thought that the 
bird had ceased to speak forever. One day the 
new clergyman called at the house, and upon re- 
moving his hat, disclosed a very bald head. At 
once the Parrot strode from his corner, eyeing the 
newcomer with evident curiosity, then, to the 
astonishment of all, burst into a loud laugh and 
exclaimed: '^ Oh, you've been stealing pickles, too !'' 
The amount of instruction that some Parrots 
are capable of receiving is almost without limit. 
Very much, however, depends upon the trainer's 
ability to instruct, and not all persons are suited 
for this employment any more than all are suited 
to become teachers of children. The voice of the 
trainer should be pleasant, but clear and ringing, 
and his manner gentle. If the bird under instruc- 
tion does not learn in a week or a month, or six 



TALKING PETS. 99 

months or a year, the patience of the trainer must 
still be inexhaustible. Parrots have been known 
to remain mute for many months in apparent stu- 
pidity, then suddenly, to the surprise ol all, enter 
upon a remarkable career of loquacity. Gentle- 
ness, by all means, should characterize the trainer's 
methods. When the bird sees no harm is intended 
it, and that it need not be on the outlook continu- 
ally for an expected cuff, its confidence will be 
established, and it will acknowledge its keeper 
with an affectionate regard. 

It is best to cage or chain a Parrot, for when 
allowed the freedom of the house food is apt to be 
found that is unwholesome ; besides. Parrots make 
better talkers when kept behind the wires of a 
cage, most of the time at least. The usual size of 
cage is one about fifteen inches in diameter and 
two feet in height. A plentiful supply of clean 
gravel should be furnished, both for eating and 
bathing, as this class of birds cleanse their skins in 
the sand rather than by water. The cage should 
be kept scrupulously clean, receiving a thorough 
ablution with soap and water every few days. 
Although Parrots do not bathe in water, it will be 
found best, at least once a week, and oftener in 
warm weather, to sprinkle over your bird a quan- 
tity of soft water slightly heated, in wdiich may 
have been dissolved a thimbleful of borax. 



100 CAGE-BIRDS. 

A substantial diet of wholesome grains is best 
for this class of birds ; withhold dainties from the 
table and rich, oily nuts, greasy animal food and 
the like. Feed your own Parrot if you would 
have him to live the full time of a Parrot's life. 
The proper seed mixture is composed of equal 
parts ot unhulled rice, hemp, suniiower-seed and 
crushed eorn, and occasionally a few peanuts niay 
be given. Ripe fruit in moderation is benelicial, 
as are also bits of mealy potato, a crust, or pieces 
of dry toast, and there is no objection to adminis- 
tering- a "cnieker" if '^ Pollv'' really "wants" it. 
But let it be strictly seen to that the bird is not 
given meat, butter or grease of any kind, as such 
food will always work mischief. Parrots use but 
little watei', but they should always have access to 
fresh drinking water if they want it. Sometimes 
cotfee is substituted for water; this is benelicial in 
some cases, but some birds will be found that do 
not like it, and prefer fresh watei'. Some bread 
soaked in milk, and sprinkled with a little sugar, 
may be given once a day, but this should be re- 
moved when the bird has had all it desires. Young 
birds should be given liquids sparingly until thor- 
oughly acclimated. Enough moisture can be ob- 
tained from the prepared foods that are furnished 
them. Green Parrots are particularly subject to 
disease from over-drinkino\ Bread soaked in 



TALKING PETS. 101 

water, and squeezed lightly before feeding, is good 
for them, but sometimes the bread when soaked in 
coffee is better relished. You may give your bird 
a drink once a day, holding the cup in your hand, 
and not permitting too great an indulgence. After 
a time, if no bowel trouble appears, water may be 
similarly furnished twice a day, and finally, when 
the bird can be considered fully acclimated, fresh 
water may be placed in the cage, from which the 
bird can drink at his pleasure. Young Parrot& 
cannot eat the liard seeds recommended for adult 
birds. A good food is prepared by pouring boiling 
water over rice and leaving it on the fire for ten 
minutes. Place in a collander, and after boiling- 
water is drained off*, pour over the rice ^. quantity of 
cold water, thus washing off' the starchy matter on 
the surface of the food, which would cause some 
of the food to adhere to the bird's beak. Hard-^ 
boiled egg, mixed with bread moistened in water, 
is good, nourishing food. All such preparations 
readily become sour, especially in warm weather, 
and should always be removed when the bird has 
eaten all he desires. 

Parrots are subject to some diseases which are 
mostly due to improper feeding. Judging from 
the number of these birds that find their way into 
the hands of the taxidermist, we may be sure that 
a good per cent, of them do not live the allotted 



102 CAGE-BIRDS. 

years of Parrot-lite. Like the ailments, however, 
of other cage-pets recited elsewhere at some length, 
the troubles to which Parrots are subject arise from 
neglect or the feeding of injurious substances. If 
it is noticed that a bird is plucking out its own 
feathers, it is certain that the blood of the bird is 
in an inflamed condition from over-feeding, or the 
use of greasy food or meat of some kind. Cease 
feeding such substances at once. It is sometimes 
the case, however, that the plucking of feathers is 
induced by the presence of parasites upon the 
bird's body. The cage should be thoroughly in- 
spected, and if any signs of lice be found, let a 
thorough cleansing be at once given. Catch the 
bird and dust it with German insect powder under 
the wings, and around the neck and head in par- 
ticular. 

For costiveness a bread-and-inilk diet may be 
given, and plenty of fresh fruit fed for a few days. 
If this is not sufficient, a few drops of castor-oil 
dropped into the bird's throat will usually give 
relief. Diarrhoea is caused by sudden changes in 
diet or the feeding of stale food. A few drops of 
paregoric may be effectually given, and the drink- 
ing water should contain some rusty iron. In all 
ailments return to a hygienic diet, keep the bird 
clean and warm, and nature will do the rest with 
her healing balm. 



TALKING PETS. 



103 




GRAY PARROT AND COCKATOO. 

The Gray Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) ranks at 
the head of all talking birds. His speech is re- 
markable for its volubility and the distinctness of 
articulation. The home of this bird is on the west- 
ern coast of Africa, whence he is brought by cap- 
tains of trading vessels, who obtain supplies of 
birds from negro captors. During the first year 
the bird is very dark in color, but at the age of two 
years he has adorned himself in his modest coat of 



104 CAGE-BIRDS. 

gray {iiul scarlet, the body being of the former 
color and the whole tail of the latter. The Gray 
Parrot is probably the longest-lived of any of the 
family, some authors affirming a knowledge of 
birds at least one hundred years of age. He is an 
expert talker, can often whistle a tune accurately, 
and in some instances has learned to sing popular 
songs. 

The Mexican Double Yellow-head Parrot 
ranks next in favor to the Gray, and is the leader 
of the numerous tribes of green Parrots found the 
world over. Some lovers of birds, indeed, prefer 
the Mexican to all other Parrots, not excepting the 
Gray, the voice of the former being characterized 
by more softness and cadence. He is the best 
singer of his tribe, often being able to sing through 
several songs wnth finish and operatic accuracy. 
This Parrot is seldom trapped, but is taken from 
the nest and reared by hand ; consequently there 
is not the natural wildness to overcome in submit- 
ting the bird to domestication. Naturally he learns 
more quickly on this account. 

The size of the Mexican Parrot is somewhat 
greater than that of the Gray, his length being 
about fifteen inches; his color is a beautitul green, 
red and blue feathers appearing in the wings and 
tail ; the forehead is characterized by pale orange, 



TALKING PETS. 105 

which, as the bird grows older, extends backward 
over the head, thus giving him his name. 

]^ext in rank to the preceding species is the 
Amazon Parrot {Psittaeus Amazonms), a bird of 
great beauty and withal an excellent talker. The 
length of this bird is about fourteen inches, his 
color bright green with the feathers marked by 
dusky or blackish margins ; there is a bright red 
patch on the wings, usually bounded by shades of 
blue, green and yellow, which colors are only com- 
pletely visible in the expanded state of the wings ; 
the tail feathers are green, but appear red beneath 
the base when expanded. A bright blue band 
reaches from eye to eye, beyond which the feathers 
of the crown, cheeks and throat are of a jonquil 
yellow ; the legs and feet are either dusky or of a 
pale grayish brown. The Amazon Parrot displays 
considerable intelligence, learning to whistle and 
sing quite acceptably ; his rank, however, is decid- 
edly inferior to that of both the G-ray and Mexican 
Parrots. 

The Single Yellow-head Parrot is some twelve 
inches in length, and nearly resembles the Mexican 
Parrot in color, the yellow of the head being con- 
fined to the forehead, hence the name in distinction 
from that of the Double Yellow -head. This bird 



106 CAGE-BIRDS. 

does not command the price of the Mexican, his 
capacity for learning to talk being of an inferior 
order to that of all preceding s])ecies. 

The Parrot most met with in the markets of the 
country is the Cuban, a small but interesting species 
found al)undantly in the West Indies, and taken 
from the nest before being fully Hedged. Cuban 
Parrots are imported into the United States in 
large numbers when from three to five months old, 
and owing to their cheapness and general docility, 
usually find ready purchasers. In intelligence the 
Cuban is about equal to the Amazon Parrot, and 
even suri)asses that bird in his ability to talk, tak- 
ing, also, a foremost rank as a singer. He is quite 
hardy, verj^ tame, and possesses a beautiful green 
plumage. All things considered, he is one of the 
most desirable pets of his kind, the price at which 
he is sold in our markets placing him within the 
reach of those bird-lovers whose conditions in life 
make impossible the possession of high-priced 
Parrots. 

Equally desirable as a cage-pet is the Dwabf 
Parrot, which is found plentifully in South 
America, a diminutive species of the Parrot tribe, 
differing in no essential particular from the fore- 
going varieties except in size. The prevailing 



TALKING PETS. 107 

color of this Parrot is green, slightly modilied into 
lighter shades on the throat and under parts. His 
length is ahout seven inches. This hird shows 
extreme docility, and takes a front rank among 
household pets. He learns to speak in a small, 
flute-like voice, performs amusing tricks, and dis- 
plays the utmost affection for his keeper. When 
kept with a mate, as is frequently the case, he 
showers upon her all the devotion of a loving 
heart. He seems horn to caress and be caressed. 
When separated from his mate the affection dis- 
played for her is given to any who befriend and 
pet him. The freedom of the house may be per- 
mitted him, as he destroys nothing and does not 
seek to gain his liberty. The Dwarf Parrot de- 
lights to bathe in water, unlike all others of his 
race. His food consists of fruits and seeds, the 
best seed for him being canai'y and hemp. Sweet 
apple, bits of banana, and the like, are much rel- 
ished, and necessary for the maintenance of health. 

The Dwarf Parrot is sometimes confounded with 
the Paroquets, a numerous class of birds belonging 
to the great family of Psitfacidae. Asia and Aus- 
tralia are the homes of these diminutive and beau- 
tiful birds, those from the latter country being 
more frequently imported. The body of the Aus- 
tralian Paroquet is hardly larger than a Canary's, 



108 



CAGE-BIRDS. 



but the tail being long aiid graceful makes the 
extreme length of the bird from nine to ten inches. 
Paroquets do not learn to talk, and, indeed, are 
very difficult to train. Being kept in pairs, they 
seem perfectly unconscious of everything save 
their own existence; and so fond are the birds of 
each other that if separated they will often mope 
and die. 




PAROQUETS. 

When once properly acclimated Paroquets are 
hardy birds, withstanding great extremes of heat 
and cold. Canary-seed is the food most essential 
for them; to tliis may be added a quantity of mil- 
let. Dainties are not relished as usual w^ith most 



TALKING PETS. 109 

birds. On account of their affectionate disposition 
the term "Love-birds" has been generally applied 
to all Paroquets, but this name properly belongs to 
a species derived from Africa. This may be dis- 
tinguished from the Australian Green Paroquet by 
having a bright orange color on the head, the gen- 
eral color of the body being green, while spots of 
orange and black characterize the tail. The length 
of this species is about six inches. All Paroquets 
make excellent aviary additions, and as attractions 
for the sick room, cannot be excelled. 

Macaw. This large and beautiful species of 
Psittacidae is well known to all lovers of birds. 
He is easily tamed and soon learns to talk, and if 
one can withstand his squawk, which explodes at 
times with dynamitic force, he may become a favor- 
ite pet. When hungry he does not hesitate in the 
least to let one know that it is a " long time be- 
tween drinks " or meals, and does it so forcibly 
that if any peace is desired one must accede to his 
desires. He possesses a powerful beak, with which 
he is equally capable of demolishing a favorite 
piece of furniture or of making any intruding 
hand feel as though it liad been struck by a buzz- 
saw. The bird lives to a very old age, an instance 
being on record of one that lived in a royal family 
for one hundred and fifty years. 



110 CAGE-BIRDS. 

Several varieties of Macaws are well known to 
dealers. One of the lar^'est as well as the most 
splendidjis the Scaelet Macaw {Macrocercus macao),. 
tlie prominent colors of which are scarlet on the 
head, neck, breast, belly, thighs, upper part of the 
back, and lesser covert feathers of the wings, and 
blue, yellow and green on the remaining parts of 
the wings, back and tail. The Blue and Yellow 
Macaw (^Macrocercus ararauna) is less common that 
the Scarlet^ but about equal in size. The Green 
Macaw {Macrocercus sever as) exists in great flocks, 
which are very destructive to coffee plantations. 

Cages are seldom used for these birds, but when 
they are employed they should be quite commodi- 
ous and very strong. An iron T stand set on a 
circular zinc base is more appropriate; the base 
should be kept covered with clean sand. The food 
of the Macaw is very similar to that furnished for 
Parrots, although more latitude may be permitted 
on account of the hardy character of the bird and 
his lusty demands for food which are not to be re- 
sisted. He thrives well on bread and milk, nuts^ 
corn and fruits. Greasy food and sweetmeats are 
wholly out of place in the bird's menu., and if per- 
mitted w\\\ produce a skin disease which causes the 
bird to pick his own feathers, and thus ruin forever 
his beautiful plumage. Give the bird a bath, if in 
summer, by boldly show'ering him ; in winter, when 



TALKING PETS. Ill 

more care is necessary to prevent coldness, use luke- 
warm water, and keep the bird in a warm place to 
dry. 

Cockatoos. Fully as interesting and possibly 
more beautiful are the white and delicately tinted 
Cockatoos, whose native home is in the forests of 
Australia and the surrounding islands. These be- 
come very good talkers when properly domesti- 
cated, and are capable of learning some interesting 
tricks. Their treatment is similar to that of Par- 
rots, stands being preferred to a cage for confiuing 
the birds. The most remarkable feature about 
the birds is their beautiful crests, which they raise 
and lower at will. They are exceedingly^ friendly 
to their daily acquaintances, but shy of strangers. 

Lories are an interesting branch of the Parrot 
family that seldom, however, learn to talk. They 
are prized for their beauty and for their gay and 
sprightly manner, even in captivity. All of these 
birds are very handsome in appearance, their 
plumage being soft and downy. They get their 
name, it is said, from frecpiently repeating the 
woi'd " Loro " ; in like manner the Cockatoo is 
named from his natural utterance. The food and 
care of the Lory is similar to that prescril)ed for 
all Parrots. 



112 CAGE-BIRDS. 



II. CuRVIDAE. 

One of the most remarkable of the families of 
Lirds is tliat of the Corvidae or Crows. The species 
embraced in this division are quite numerous, and 
are found in all parts of the world. Black is their 
characteristic color, l)ut many present beautiful 
variations in plumag'c that are highly pleasing to 
the eye. A most remarkable feature of this family 
is the fact tluit many of the speeies are capable of 
learning to speak with great distinctness and aceu- 
raey ; thus the most gifted mem])ers of the family 
have become great favorites in the household. In 
addition to their well-known talking proficiencies, 
they are eai)able of performing nuxny amusing 
tricks, by which their values are considerahly in- 
creased. The birds of this class, how^ever, are 
natural-born thieves, and wnll frequently convey 
valuable articles to certain hidden nooks, where, 
}>erhai)S, they nuiy remain undiscovered for a long 
time. The Magpie is particuhirly proficient in the 
art of pilfering, and uumy an article from a lady's 
boinloir has been given u]) as forever lost, w^ien 
some fortunate moment I'eveals it deposited in her 
Magpie's treasure-cave. The most prominent birds 
of this family are the Kaven, Kook, Magpie, Jack- 
daw^ and Ci'ow. 



TALKING PETS. ll3 

Raven (Corvus corax). This is a bird of beautiful 
synimetrj, gloss}- plumage and stately demeanor. 
He is widely distributed, and is the largest of his 
class in most parts of the world. In color he is a 
deep black, with varying shades of purple and 
green. The great breadth of his tongue renders 
him able to pronounce words easily, and these he 
sometimes learns in variety. In times of supersti- 
tion the Raven was ranked among birds of ill-omen, 
and even the very modulations ot his voice were 
studied and noted in order to understand the dire- 
ful calamity that was presently to affect mankind. 
He shares very well the ill-repute of the owl and 
the bat. Says Scott : 

" Birds of ill-omen, dark and foul, 
Night-crown, Raven, Bat and Owl." 

As the days of darkness pass away, and men 
learn to regard all natural objects in their proper 
light, the absurdity of such superstitions becomes 
apparent. We can then admire the once hated 
and despised bird for his natural beauty and his 
intelligent demeanor. As a domestic bird the 
Raven cannot fail to amuse and please. He is 
active, everlastingly i)ryiug into everything that 
attracts his attention, pilfers and conceals whatever 
he covets, makes friends with the dog, plays a si}' 
trick upon pussy, and ingratiates himself into the 
favor of the cook, from whom he expects some 



114 CAGE-BIRDS. 

dainty morsel. His natural food is carrion, but he 
frequently kills rabbits or cliickens, and sometimes 
will attack young or sickly lambs. He is a voracious 
feeder, and will always be found ready for anything 
fi'om the table that is allowed him. The liaven 
may be confined, but will take care of himself if 
turned loose, remaining- about tlie liouse just as 
the dog or the cat will do, and always turning up 
at meal-time for his regular portion. The cutting 
of the string of this bird's tongue, in order to 
facilitate the articulation of words, is a needless 
performance, and must be regarded as a foolish,, 
ancient custom. 

Crow (Co)^ous Americaniis). This l)ird is Ijetter 
known in this country than the Raven, being found 
al)undantly over the whole of Eastern N^orth 
America. His length is not over a. foot and a half^ 
his color being a deep black. If taken from the 
nest and reared by hand, the Crow is capable of 
ready domestication. He does not learn to talk as 
well as the Raven, but will perform many amusing 
tricks. As a pilferer he will fairly dispute the 
palm with the other members of his family. His 
natural food consists of a great variety of sub- 
stances, botli animal and vegetable. On account of 
his fondness for sprouting corn, he is particularly 
detested by the farmers, who plan many a means 



TALKING PETS. 



115 



for destroying him, but no bird knows better how 
to take care of himself than he. He is not, how- 
ever, so harmful to agriculture as some suppose, as 
he consumes a great quantity of grubs, mice, in- 
sects, etc., which molest the growing crops. Gen- 
erally the habits of the Crow differ little from 
those of the Raven, and his treatment in the house- 
hold may be similar to that given to the latter bird. 




ROOKS. 



E.OOKS and Jackdaws are the most common birds 
of this class throughout Europe. --They are much 
smaller than the foregoing species, and possess 



116 CAGE-BIRDS. 

many traits to recommend them as household pets. 
They are, however, seldom met with in this coun- 
try, and any detailed description of them- is un- 
necessar3\ Their treatment differs in no essential 
particular from that of the Crow. When kept 
confined, only the largest-sized cages obtainable 
are fit for these l)irds. It is hetter to allow them 
the run of the. premises, as tliey can take care of 
themselves and never seek to go away. They will 
he sure to turn up punctually at meal-time. 

Magpie. This bird is rather remotely connected 
with the foregoing varieties, and is found in most 
parts of the world. The American Magpie is a 
native of Western' JN^orth America, where he is 
found in great numbers, and bears a bad reputation 
for his sly, pilfering habits. He is a beautiful bird, 
with a long, graceful tail, whisking himself about 
with a jaunty grace. When domesticated he be- 
comes almost a positive nuisance on account of his 
familiarity. lie amuses by his buffoonery and de- 
lights with his apt remarks. As a pilferer he is 
without a rival ; many a shining trinket he delights 
to conceal, and many an article of value has been 
traced to his den. To l)e taught to speak, a Mag- 
pie should be taken from the nest and reared by 
hand. Words and short sentences may be easily 
taught, but the tones of the bird are usually too 



TALKING PETS. 



117 



sharp and shrill to perfectly imitate the human 
voice. A great variety of food may be given the 
Magpie ; scraps of meat or bread will be relished, 
and what he does not eat will be hidden for a 
future meah The Mocking-bird food may be fed 
him regularly as his principal article of diet. The 
bird does not require confinement, except occasion- 
ally as a punishment for some bad trick, or as a 
means of restraining too much familiarity. He is 
subject to few diseases, and will live usually from 
fifteen to twenty years. 



CHAPTEE IX. 



The Aviary. 

THE liking' tliat some persons have for birds 
is fully satisfied when the}^ possess one or 
two specimens; others, however, find their 
greatest ])leasuire in ministering to the w^ants of 
many of the featliered minstrels. If one has the 
time and inclination to attend properly to the daily 
needs of an aviary collection his efforts will cer- 
tainly be well repaid. It will not do, however, to 
own a number of birds and shirk the daily neces- 
sity of taking proper care of them. 

All birds are not equally suitable for such a pur- 
pose. Some are of a quarrelsome disposition and 
therefore ineligible; others ai'e too greedy and 
would devour more than their share of the daily 
allowances. Small birds are usually to be pre- 
ferred to large ones as a matter of course, but 
much depends u})0n the space allotted to the col- 
lection when the size of the birds to be admitted is 
under consideration. A very large collection of 
living birds would require nearly the entire time 
of a single person in caring for their wants, and 
such collections are seldom met with. If a well- 



THE AVIARY. 119 

situated conservatory can be utilized for the pur- 
pose, the effect will be most beautiful and striking. 
Strong sunliglit would be objectionable, but such 
could be properly modified. Good ventilation 
would be at all times a necessity, and yet draughts 
of air should be constantly guarded against. 
]N'othing Avould prove more disastrous to the bird- 
life within than currents of cold air sur^'ino; 
through the room. Small fir trees should be taste- 
fully placed here and there throughout the space, 
together with such other sturdy plants as good 
judgment allows. Rustic perches may be next 
appropriately arranged so as to make the room as 
suggestive of outdoor life as possible; it will be 
better, however, to remove the bark from the 
perches, leaving only the plain, smooth wood sur- 
face, such removal being necessary to prevent the 
accumulation of lice or parasites of any kind. 
Nesting places are to be provided for in sequestered 
nooks, and material for lining such furnished in 
abundance for tlie birds. Deer's hair is best for 
this purpose, but any soft, fibrous material will 
sufiice. Cotton and wool are objectionable as the 
fibres are tough and long, on which account they 
frequently entangle the bird's feet, sometimes seri- 
ously, before the matter is discovered. If a fount- 
ain or a running rill of water can be placed in the 
interior of the aviary, it will prove highly bene- 



120 CAGE-BIRDS. 

iicial as well as pleasing, as the water may be 
utilized for both bathing and drinking at the 
pleasure of the birds. Plenty of fresh gravel and 
some bits of old plaster must be kept about the 
floor; some fresh sod will also furnish much 
amusement to the occupants, who delight to rest 
upon it aiul for fun's sake tear it into shreds. 

Food of a proper kind should l)e furnished 
in variety; the kind to be determined by the needs 
of the birds as explained in the descriptive matter 
elsewhere. Some birds are of such a greedy dispo- 
sition, like some persons, that they would till them- 
selves to satiety, if access to quantities of food 
were given, thus doing themselves a positive injury 
besides robljing their mates of their proper allow- 
ance. Such birds should be excluded from the 
collection ; tlie Bobolink is fashioned after this 
manuer, as is also the Ivose-breasted Grosbeak. 
Various conveniencies for making the life of the 
birds happy will suggest themselves to one who is 
interested in his collection. Let no one owning 
such an aviary attempt to shirk the responsible 
duty of keeping everything neat and cleau, else an 
eudless amount of trouble may ensue. Parasites 
will form to make both bird -life and man-life mis- 
erable; cleauliness aud proper ventilation are effect- 
ual preventitives for such a condition. 

If an aviary on such a large scale is not desira- 



THE AVIARY. 121 

ble, a much smaller one may be arranged by using 
a large cage, say from four to six feet in length 
and proportionately broad and high. This will 
accommodate, of course, a smaller number of birds, 
and the smallest-sized birds only would be admis- 
sible. In such a collection might be placed the 
English and American Goldfinches, Bullfinches, 
Linnets, Canaries, Nonpareils, Indigoes, Japanese 
Robins, Java Sparrows, African Love-birds, Aus- 
tralian Paroquets, and the interesting family 
of Finches and Nuns that are brought to this 
country in great variety from Africa and Australia. 
To a larger collection may be added such birds as 
the Virginia Cardinal, Scarlet Tanager, Brazilian 
Cardinal, Chaflinch, Lark, Sparrow, Thrush, etc. 
Many of the birds here named have been already 
described as cage-pets, while a few remain to 
be noticed in this connection. 

Japanese Robin. This is certainly one of the 
most interesting birds ever subjected to domesti- 
cation. He is beautiful in plumage, sprightly in 
manner, and a lively and engaging songster. His 
size is about that of a Canary; his eye is particu- 
larly large and brilliant. This bird is said to be 
quite common in the countries of the extreme East, 
and a favorite with the natives. The rapidity of 
his movements in a ca^e is most remarkable : no 



122 CAGE-BIRDS. 

other bird darts with such lightning-like speed. 
He delights in somersaults and evolutions of all 
sorts and so sprightly are his motions that the eye 
can hardly follow his gliding form. He becomes 
very tame, readily learns tricks that can be taught 
to any other bird, and is ever ready to delight his 
mate with some new whistle or melod3^ 

Insects and worms are the natural food of the 
Eobin in his native state. When confined, the 
prepared Mocking-bird seed is proper for him. 
Insects and meal-worms may be given occasionally, 
and some ripe fruit. A. bath once a day should 
not be neglected, as this bird is fond of playing in 
water. He is one of the most suitable birds 
for the aviary, but may be given a cage to him- 
self. This, on account of his active movements, 
should be a commodious one. 

Java Sparrow. Although not a songster of any 
note, this Sparrow attracts much attention on 
account of his pretty and compact plumage. His 
length is about that of a Canary, his beak stout 
and delicately tinted ; the general plumage is of a 
slate color, the cheeks being pure white, the throat 
and face a shining black. Java is the home of the 
bird, where, it is said, he is as great a nuisance as 
the English Sparrow in America. The food of 
the Java Sparrow is rice, and great flocks molest 



THE AVIARY. 123 

the riee-fields of tlie eastern planter, notwithstand- 
ing all the " scare-sparrows " or other devices that 
can be thought of to keep him away. He is there 




JAVA SPARROW. 



known as the Rice-bird. The bird's food in con- 
finement is unhulled rice with a slight mixture of 
canary-seed. He may be separately confined if 
desired, but he is a handsome addition to the 



aviarv. 



Finches and ^N'uns. No aviary collection is com- 
plete without at least a few specimens of these 
neat, diminutive birds. The countries of the 
Orient furnish them to the world's bird-markets. 
The number of varieties is very great, and only 
the best known species can be mentioned in this 
connection. Considering the warm countries in 
which they are bred, these birds are reasonably 



124 CAGE-BIRDS. 

hardy, living some eight or ten years if properly 
acclimated, and heing subject to few diseases. 
Some few are quite good songsters, but most of 
the birds are desirable on account of the beauty of 
their plumage, diminutive size, and quaint habits. 
Two or three dozen are often conlined in a single 
cage, in which they may frequently be seen all 
perched upon one stick and warbling their sweet 
ditties in re2:ular succession. In size these birds 
vary from two to four and a half inches in length ; 
in a few instances an unusually long tail increases 
the total length to some ten or twelve inches. 




DIAMOND SPARROW. CUT-THROAT FINCH. 

The Paradise Whijdah is a bird of the latter class, 
its long, graceful tail making it a beautiful addi- 
tion to any collection. It is in the breeding season 
that the tail grows to its greatest length, and the 
plumage of the bird assumes the richest hues. 



THE AVIARY. 125 

A showy bird for the aviary is the Diamond 
Sparroio. the length of which is about three and a 
half inches. He is imported from Australia, be- 
comes readily acclimated, and is quite hardy. 

The Cordon Blue Finch is a good songster, and a 
much admired bird for his beauty, lie is a native 
of Africa. Brownish-gray is the color of the back, 
and a pale sky-blue that of the face, throat, chest 
and tail, the male differing from the female by 
having a crimson patch on each cheek. This bird 
is very fond of his mate, and gives utterance to 
distressful cries when separated from her. His 
sweetest songs are sung only for her; he delights 
to pour forth melody after melody for her sole 
pleasure, while she, with reciprocating satisfaction, 
hearkens attentively. If the bird happens upon 
some piece of wire, straw, or similar object, he will 
seize it in his beak, fly to his mate, and begin his 
most charming utterances. 

The Common Waxhill Finch is a pleasing aviary 
addition, and one of the best known of its class. 
The male and female are alike in colors, fond of 
each other's society, and given to pluming each 
other's feathers with their tiny beaks. The male, 
in singing, spreads his feathers fan-shape, and with 
ecstatic zeal endeavors to win the approval of his 
^' better-half." The pair will breed in confinement, 
and will rear their young without much difficulty. 



126 



CAGE-BIRDS. 



The St. Helena Waxbill is 1 archer than the preced- 
ing species, but while (piite simihir in color, his 
appearance is somewhat handsomer. The beak is 
coral-red, with a red line extending through the 
eyes. The body color is a delicate brown, a roseate 
hue being prominent over the abdomen. He is a 
conspicuous beauty among many of his kind, and 
a sociable bird at all times. 

The Zebra Fine-Ji readily breeds in confinement. 
He is one of the smallest as well as one of the 
handsomest of his kind. The prevailing color of 
this bird is a delicate gray, marked by spots and 
bands of chestnut and black. His song is pleasing, 
but not so prolonged as that of some of his fellows. 




ST. HELENA WAXBILL. 



AVADAVAT. 



The Aradarat is one of the smallest of his kind, 
and one of the most interesting and desirable in 
the aviary. The bird is imported from India, and 
large numbers find their way to tliis country yearly. 



THE AVIARY. 127 

The Magpie and the Cat-throat Fiiiclies, both 
from Africa, are pretty songsters, and quite quaint 
in their ways. The latter gets his name because 
of the peculiar red band across the throat. Both 
of these birds have a peculiar trait of executing a 
song and dance at certain favorable moments, when 
the wliole assemblage is quiet, and it occurs to one 
that a spirit moves him. 

The Nuns are a class of birds very small and 
quite similar to the Finches. They are imported 
chiefly from Japan, being known as the Japanese 
Nuns or Manakins. The Japanese are said to be 
expert bird-breeders, in consequence of which 
these small birds display the marks of high breed- 
ing, just as the Canaries do that are bred in Ger- 
many. The family of Nuns, like the Finches, em- 
brace many varieties, characterized by handsome 
colors and shadings. They form a very interesting 
class of birds, very desirable for the collector's 
aviary. All varieties will, under proper treatment, 
breed in confinement. They should have food and 
care quite similar to that given to a Canary, the 
Canary being itself a Finch. The treatment in 
disease is also similar. The best food for the birds 
is a mixture of millet and canary-seed, two parts 
of the former to one of the latter. Lettuce and 
ripe apple should be given occasionally, and fresh 
water furnished for drinking and bathing. 




RUSTIC AQUARIUM. 



THE AQUARIUM. 



CHAPTER X. 



COXSTRUCTION OF AN AqUARIUM. 

SINCE liome-life must constitute for many 
the greater part of their earthly existence, 
it is natural and proper that all reasonable 
efforts be made to embellisli the home with objects 
of interest and pleasure. Among the many orna- 
ments from which one may choose for this purpose, 
what can give rise to more real enjoyment than 
tlie aquarium ! How many hours can be passed in 
delightfully contemplating the actions of its finny 
inhabitants, busying themselves in the regulation 
of their household affairs so different in character 
from those of the terrestrial objects about us ! It 
opens up to us a workl of study that all the won- 
derful instruments of science cannot reveal or 
fathom, placing before our eyes the mysteries and 
the phenomena of the liquid world. Young and 
old can glory in its revelations; placed in the in- 
valid's chamber it cannot fail of 1)eing a source of 
continual interest and never-failing delight. 



130 THE AQUARIUM. 

Constructive Principles. The aquarium scien- 
tifically constructed is of comparatively recent 
origin. There must exist in it tliose mutual rela- 
tions between pLant and animal life tliat Nature 
herself has established for their growth and suste- 
nance. All animals must inhale oxygen gas for 
the purification of tlie blood and the lieat of the 
body. Atmospheric air contains this gas mixed 
with another called nitrogen, and respiration on 
the part of animals brings these elements into 
active relationship with the blood of the body. 
In the laboratory of the lungs, the corpus- 
cles of the blood sieze upon the oxygen they 
desire and give back a quantity of carbonic acid 
gas, the result of combustion that has taken place 
in tlie capillaries of the body. Xow this latter gas 
is a poison to all animal ol>jects, whether they 
exist in the air or in the water. AVlierever it 
accumulates in considerable quantities it is certain 
to cause speedy annihilation of life. By a wise 
regulation of Nature the very gas that is so 
destructive to the existence of animal life possesses 
for all vegetation life-giving properties. That 
wliich is given forth as refuse by tlie animal and 
of wliich it must not partake again upon penalty 
of destruction, is the verv food that is to feed and 
sustain the plant, and that which the plant throws 
oft as refuse is the precious oxygen which the 



ITS CONSTRUCTION. 



131 



animal so greedily devours. Thus bas the Creator 
established a means of purification which operates 
at all times for the mutual support of the life of 
plant auG animal. Fish, as well as the other 
objects of the animal creation, must have a con- 
stant supply of pure air, and while it is true that 
they need less of this as a rule than some other 
animals, the element in which they exist must 
contain certain proportions of that gaseous fluid. 
Bearing in mind such fundamental principles of 
nature, an aquarium may be fitted out and stocked 
with its finny occupants so that the trouble of 
keeping it may be reduced to a minimum. The 
water of such an aquarium would never need 
changing, although the amount lost by evaporation 
would need to be occasionally replaced. 

Fish-Globes. By the use of the ordinary fish- 
globes such an adjustment cannot be well secured. 
They are too small to permit the introduction of 
aquatic plants, consequently a 
frequent change of water is ab- 
solutely necessary for the pres- 
ervation of the fish . How often 
such a change will have to be 
made will depend upon several 
circumstances — the purity and 
heat of the atmosphere, the quantity of the water, 
and the number of the fish inhabitine; it. In a 




132 



THE AQUARIUM. 



pure atmosphere of moderate temperature, two 
gallons of water will support three or four Gold- 
fish for several days. Whenever fish are ohserved 
coming to the top frequently for air, it is a sure 
indication that the water should he changed. 
The higher the temperature, the more impure 
the atmosphere, the larger the fish, and the greater 
their numher, all will determine the lenoth of 

time that water may he re- 
tained. Many change tlie 
water in globes once a day 
reguhirl}^, usually choosing 
the evening for that pur- 
[>ose. The process is very 
simple : Carry the globe hy 
the rim firnilv, holdino- tlie 
same between the forefingers and thumbs; place 
the spiggot of the liydrant well down into the 
globe; let the water run slowly and overflow for a 
minute or two, then carefully replace the globe. 
A siphon may be used to draw out the stale water, 
which is immediately replaced by fresh. A rub- 
ber tube can be employed for this purpose. 

Fish globes are suljject to a number of objec- 
tions which cannot be urged against the properly 
prepared tank. In the first place, they are very 
sul)ject to breakage, especially if their proportions 
are adequate for a considerable number of fish. 







ITS CONSTRUCTION. 



133 



One never knows at what moment some unlucky 
action may cause a globe and its contents to meet 
destruction upon the carpeted floor. Again, the 
spherical shape of a globe 
causes a distorted view of 
the fish as they swim majes- 
tically about in their aqueous 
element, thus defeating one 
of the most interesting fea- 
tures of the aquarium — the 
proper inspection of the 
movements of the fish as 
they glide hither and thither. 
Globes, however, are attractive ornaments, and 
if one does not mind the slight trouble of chang- 
ing the water frequently, and will exercise great 
care to prevent their demolition, they will serve 
very well. 




Tanks. To any one who really desires to pos- 
sess an aquarium, the tank is recommended as the 
only satisfactory receptacle for the water. Tanks 
of all sizes and shapes are to be found in well- 
equipped stores where fish are to be obtained. 
The best form is the rectangular, since it will be 
found not only the most elegant, but likewise the 
strongest and safest. It affords the best opportun- 
ities for observing the curious habits of its finny 



134 THE AQUARIUM. 

occapants, and allows the most picturesque adjust- 
ment of aquatic scenery. 

Much ingenuitj may be displayed in fitting- 
out the aquarium, abundant opportunities being- 
afforded to exhibit one's skill and good taste in 
this matter. Do not, in the first place, overstock 
tlie space with sundry embellishments. A few 
simple pieces of rock-work will am2)ly suffice, if 
quietly and naturally placed. Remember that 
every piece of redundant scenery 
lessens the space available for ani- 
mal and ve£:etable life. There can 
now be obtained in the stores many 
forms of beautiful grottoes and 
rocky representations that setoff' the 
tank to a good advantage. Beware 
of using sea-shells and coral in fresh water aquaria, 
since they are not only out of place, but the lime and 
otlier substances of which they are composed im- 
pregnate the water to a considerable extent, much 
to the injury of the fish. Let your aim be to make 
your scenery as suggestive of fresh water life as 
possible. Castles do not exist at the bottoms of 
lakes or rivers, nor is coral found in such places. 
It will be found expedient to fasten all rock-work 
to its place, otherwise an unexpected jar might 
cause it to topple over, much to the detriment, 
possibly, of the finny pets, if not to the sides of 




ITS CONSTRUCTION. 



135 



the tank. A cement purposely prepared for this 
work can be obtained. A good aquarium cement 
may be made by mixing one part by measure of 
litharge, one part phister of Paris, one part fine 
beach sand, and one-third part of fine powdered 
resin. Keep tlie mixture dry in a bottle, and when 
wanted for use make it into a putty by adding 
good, boiled linseed-oil. It will stand in either 
salt or fresh water. The character of all sub- 
stances introduced into the aqua- 
rium should be closely questioned, 
inasmuch as the water might be- 
come impregnated from them 
with deleterious matter that would 
end the existence of all plant and 
animal life. After the work of 
cementing the rock-work has 
been satisfactorily completed, water may be 
introduced for a few days, to absorb the impur- 
ities that would come from the cement or rock- 
work. Scum will arise on the water, which 
should be replaced with fresh until it is found that 
the liquid remains pure. After a thorough soak- 
ing demonstrates that no more efiluvia is likely to 
arise, the bed of the aquarium may be placed and 
the plant- life introduced. Procure a quantity of 
clean, river sand, together with some pretty peb- 
bles, and after washing these until they are thor- 




136 THE AQUARIUM. 

oughly freed from dirt, distribute them evenly 
over the bottom of the tank to a depth of nearly 
an inch. 

Plants for an Aquarium. Plants appropriate 
for the fresh-water aquarium may be obtained in 
abundance trom the ponds and brooks of our coun- 
try. A stroll by any brookside, or a visit to any 
marshy spot, will reveal to eager eyes some of the 
choicest of aquatic plants. A small aquarium will 
not need a profusion of plants any more than it 
needs an over-stock of rocks. A few well-selected 
plants will suffice, and, indeed, will present a better 
appearance than would many. It will be found 
necessary to fix the roots of most aquatic plants, 
and this may be done in a variety of ways. A 
ball of wet clay may be made to inclose the roots, 
and this deposited in its proper place then covered 
snugly with sand or gravel. Or the plants may be 
rooted in saucers or other shallow dishes, that may 
be hidden from view by the sand in the bed of the 
tank. Many of the grottoes and other imitation 
rock-work to be bought in the stores for use in 
aquaria, have at their bases a number of excava- 
tions in which plants may be rooted. Some plants 
grow in the aquarium with wonderful rapidity, so 
that it will be found necessary to prune them fre- 
quently to prevent them monopolizing the whole 



PLANTS. 137 

space of tlie tank. Water-weed, which grows pro- 
lifically ill many parts of the country, is one of this 
sort. If a piece be cut ofl' and thrown carelessly 
into a tank, it will soon till the entire space it left 
undisturbed. It is of a bright green color, and 
particularly attractive. Water-cress is a well- 
known fresh water plant that may be appropriately 
transferred to the aquarium. There is a kind of 
crowfoot growing in water that may be obtained 
in the spring months. This may be given a home 
in the tank. Arrowhead is a common plant with 
white flowers with golden centers and leaves 
shaped like arrow points. Water millfoil and star- 
wort, common in ponds in many sections, make 
beautiful aquarium growers. The plants that 
grow rooted in watery beds, but expand their foli- 
age above the surface, are not as desirable as those 
whose leaves are nearly or wholl}' submerged. 
The reasons for this are obvious, if the preceding 
facts concerning the respiration of plants are borne 
in mind. In the former case the oxygen that the 
plant exhales is liberated in open air, while in the 
latter it is bound to permeate the water. Again, 
in the former c;ase the carbonic acid gas which the 
plant needs is taken from the air, and that which 
exists in the water remains unused, much to the 
detriment of the animal life of the aquarium. 
Care should be taken to remove all decaying 



138 THE AQUARIUM. 

leaves? and branches of fresh water plants, as the 
gases arising from decay would pollute the water. 
Likewise, plants should not be permitted to grow 
without stint. Keep them pruned and within 
bounds. Too much oxygen, as a profusion of 
plant-life would be sure to produce, would be as 
had as too little. The purpose of the presence of 
plants is that they shall consume the impure gas 
that the fish exhale, and give out in turn the oxy- 
gen that the fish require, so that there may be a 
perfectly mutual balance between plant-life and 
animal -life. 

Water for the Aquarium. After the plants 
have been secured and arranged according to taste, 
the water may be put into the tank. Soft spring 
water is the best for this purpose, but river or clean 
cistern Avater will answer the purpose admirably. 
Water strongly impregnated with mineral sub- 
stances, such as iron, sulphur, lime, etc., while they 
may or may not be good for the human frame, are 
not suitable for an aquarium, and should never be 
used. Such w^aters, when boiled in order to free 
them from such objectionable substances, are still 
unserviceable, as the gases of the w^ater are driven 
o& by the heat, and must be replaced before the 
liquid is capable ef sustaining either fish or plants. 

After placing the water in the tank, let j^our 



THE FISH. 189 

aquarium stand for a week or two, in order to give 
the plants a chance to begin growing and to get 
into a thrifty condition, before adding the fish. A 
couple of pond-snails may be put in at once. They 
will act as scavengers, by consuming decaying veg- 
etation and the confervae or greenish weed that 
discolors at times the surface of the glass. Such 
snails may be easily found by inspecting streams 
of shallow water or the recesses of ponds. 




JAPANESE FAN-TAIL. 

The Fish. The selection of proper fish for a 
small aquarium would not be a difficult matter for 
many. Gold-fish are the universal favorites, and 
their varieties Silver and Pearl. They are a beau- 
tiful species of carp, originally imported from 
Chinese waters, but are now very extensively bred 
at home. These fish have, by long attention to 
breeding, been made to exhibit many varieties of 
shape and color. Some have plain, straight tails, 



140 THE AQUARIUM. 

these beiii^ the commonest sort and the cheapest. 
Some are known as Fan-tails, because of the three- 
lobed and spreading character of the tail, and oth- 
ers are called Gorgeous-tails, on account of the 
length and wavy appearance of the caudal append- 
age. A fish very much prized for its beauty is the 
Paradise fish. In color the Gold-fish difier among 
themselves almost as widely as they do in shape. 
Some are pearly white marked with red blotches, 
like Chinese hierogly[)hics ; others have black 
spots as well as red. Gold-fish are hard}^, and 
with pro[)er care will live for years with little 
attention. 

Our own fresh water streams will furnish many 
desirable specimens for the aquarium. Tlie Mi'U- 
noiD is well known to every school-boy, and is so 
common that it can be possessed with little trouble. 
This fish is not only a pretty one, but bears the 
additional reputation of being easily tamed. He 
can be taught to come up and take food from the 
hand, and to demonstrate a fondness for his bene- 
i actor. 

The Stickleback and Gudgeon are diminutive fish 
found plentifully in some of our iVesh-water 
streams. The former, however, is quarrelsome 
and hardly a fit companion for well-mannered fish. 

There are many otheV varieties which may be 
obtained from fresh w^ater streams at little expense. 



THE FISH. 141 

They will be found to be hardy, and to bear their 
confinement well. They should be taken by means 
of a net, and not by the hook, if the former means 
is possible. Care must be taken that fish are not 
introduced that will prey upon their fellows. 
Many do this, and had better be relegated to the 
shady side of nowhere for their mischievous ways. 

A small turtle, a frog, or a diminutive eel, will 
add variety to the collection and will do no harm 
to the other inmates. If you have left your rock- 
Avork to project a little above the surface of the 
water, these specimens will often delight to crawl 
up out of the water and sun themselves upon the 
rocks. 

It is necessary, at this point, to warn the enthu- 
siast against placing too many fish in the same 
receptacle. A given quantit}^ of water will not 
support an unlinnted luimber of inhabitants, so 
that if the proper proportion is overdone disaster 
will be sure to follow. Two fish not exceeding 
three inches in length may thrive in one gallon of 
water ; if the fish are smaller, the same quantity 
of water may accommodate more. Do not fill the 
tank completely full of water, as the fish might 
possibly jump out, and the turtles, lizards, frogs, 
etc., might take an unexpected leave of absence. 
It is best not to fill the tank more than four-fifths 
full of water, unless there is a screen cover to the 
aquarium. 



142 THE AQUARIUM. 

Feeding the Fish. Food is as necessary to fish 
as it is to other animals, but many persons are apt 
to over-feed their pets, or to give substances that 
are injurious. Pastry of all kinds, bread, crackers, 
etc., are wholly unfit for fish, and should never be 
given them. Such food substances are apt to clog 
the gills of the fish and thus choke them. A pre- 
pared food is sold by all dealers in aquaria which 
is well adapted for this purpose. This should be 
given, a little each morning, taking care not to 
furnish more than the fish will eat at one time, as 
that which remains is likely to pollute the water. 
Feed but little at a time, and when the fish seem 
to have enough, put your food aside and give noth- 
ing more until the next day. Some do not feed 
the fish but once or twice a week. By some fish- 
breeders, ants' eggs, such as have been recom- 
mended for birds, are regarded as the only proper 
food for fish in the aquarium. Three or four eggs 
may be allowed to eacb fish dail}'. These are rel- 
ished by the fish, and snapped up with avidity. 

For turtles, eels, and brook fish generally, worms 
are an excellent food. It is better to cut them 
into small pieces before feeding. Worms may be 
kept through winter l)y placing a suflicient quan- 
tity of them in a small box, and placing the same 
w^here the frost will not reach it. Raw beef is a 
good substitute if worms cannot be had. It may 



PLACING IT. 143 

be suspended so tliat the animals may nibble at it 
at pleasure. Dried beef may also be used, cut into 
fragments and fed just as it is devoured. Do not 
kill with kindness. It is easier to overdo the mat- 
ter of feeding lish than to underdo it. See to it in 
particular that food that is uneaten is not left in 
the water to pollute it by decomposition. 

Placing an Aquarium. A question often asked 
is where to place an aquarium to the best advan- 
tage, and in furnishing an ansAver the doctors 
somewhat disagree. All vegetable and animal life 
need sunshine, but too much of it will not be suit- 
able for our present purpose. An east window is 
sometimes recommended as the best aspect, lor 
there a few hours' sunshine each day at a time 
when the air is mild and genial will amply suffice 
for the proper growth of plants and tish. A west 
window is good, however, and by some preferred 
as the best site. A south window is not so good, 
as the sunlight is there too strong and heating. If 
it becomes necessary to use such an aspect, it is 
better to protect the exposed side of the aquarium 
bv means of a baize cloth. In too much sunlii^'ht 
plants give off a redundant quantity ot oxygen, 
and a greenish mucus will make its appearance 
upon the sides of the glass, obstructing the view 
of the observer as well as giving an idea of un- 



144 THE AQUARIUM. 

cleanliness. This is known as confervae, a vegeta- 
ble growth which your snails will aivl in destroying 
if it is not over-abundant. A north window is 
not so suitable for the aquarium, as too little light 
is received from that source ; but it will do if a 
better site is not accessible. 

The temperature at which the water of an aqua- 
rium is kept is an important factor in the health of 
the fish. This should not, if it is possible to avoid 
it, exceed sixty-five degrees, nor should it sink 
much below forty-five. A higher temperature 
than the above is weakening, and if excessive is 
very apt to cause the death of the fish. 

When once determined upon, the aspect should 
remain unchanged. At long intervals the aqua- 
rium will need cleaning. The fish may be removed 
by using shallow nets, and placed in a temporary 
receptacle. iS^ever catch fish with the hand, as 
they are apt to be crushed enough to injure them 
by so doing. After a thorough renovating replace 
the water. The same water will do, or tresh spring 
water may be substituted. Tlie tank may then be 
returned to its customary place and left undis- 
turbed for another six months or a year. Water 
lost by evnpoi'ntion may l)e replaced whenever it 
is deemed necessai'y. 



PET QUADRUPEDS. 




CIIArTER XI. 



44 



1. — Dogs. 



A\- 



AN'S nnselfisli friend" is an epithet 
tlmt the dog has not unworthily won. 
Although there are some persons who 
affect to despise his qualities, the fact remains that 
no animal forms such attachments for man, and 
continues even to extremities so faithful to his 
trusts as does the dog. It is said that when Scot- 
land's illustrious queen was led to the scaffold she 
was followed by her pet dog, which watched her 
execution, and refused afterward to leave her coffin 
until it was buried. Many a canine friend has 



146 PET QUADRUPEDS. 

watched faithfully at the bedside of a sick master, 
when human comforters have turned unsympa- 
thetically away. 

In intelligence what animal can excel the dog? 
He has been trained to perform the most remarka- 
ble tricks, and, indeed, has often excelled his in- 
struction by the exercise of an ingenuity that 
seemed almost human. " If I had my choice," 
once said a fancier, " between educating a dull boy 
and a smart dog, I would choose the latter." It 
would seem, indeed, from the instances that are on 
record of the remarkable sagacity of canines, that 
a limit hardly exists at which a dog's capacities 
fail. 




COLLIE. 



Kennels and Beds. Every dog, whether large 
or small, should have certain quarters which he 
may regard as his own. If kept out of doors, as 



DOGS. 147 

large clogs should certainly be, they should always 
be provided with a warm and dry kennel of com- 
fortable proportions. A strong, hard-wood barrel, 
if first properly cleaned, will make a good kennel. 
Do not cut out the end, as is often done, but leaving 
both ends intact, cut out an opening in the side 
near one end, making the hole large enough to 
afford easy entrance and exit to the dog. If you 
should desire a better kennel, have your carpenter 
construct a commodious structure, and be sure to 
have the opening in the side near one end. The 
interior is thus freer from draughts, and will be 
warmer and dryer. Have the back constructed so 
that it may be opened when it becomes necessary 
to clean the kennel. The space designed for the 
dog's bed should be slightly elevated, with a slight 
slope. It should be plentifully provided with clean 
straw or fine shavings. At least once a week the 
dog's kennel should be scrubbed with hot water 
and soda, and the bedding renewed. Cleanliness 
in all matters pertaining to the dog will not only 
add to his comfort, but is an absolute necessity 
for his healthful existence. Fleas, ticks and other 
parasites are very apt to infest kennels. It will be 
found easier to prevent their appearance than to 
destroy them when they have once infested the 
dog's quarters. Once a day the quarters should be 
swept clean, and at least once a week a thorough 



148 FET Ql ADKUPEDS. 

scrubbing with liot water and soda should be given 
them. Some good disinfectant should then be 
used. 

If a dog is allowed to remain in the house dur- 
ing the day, he should certainly be permitted to 
stay there througli the night. The policy of turn- 
ing out of doors for the night an animal, whether 
dog or cat, is not only wrong, but cruel. When 
accustomed to the warmth of the house during the 
day, he should not be compelled to withstand the 
chill of the night, th^ time when shelter is tlie 
most needed. Let a warm, cozy place be selected 
for the house-dog's quarters, and a rug or strip of 
carpet provided for his bed. He should be taught 
to knoAv that it is there he is expected to pass tlie 
night, and when tlie command is given, " Go to 
bed," he sliould l)e obliged to seek his quarters and 
to remain there until morning. Some dogs, such 
as the delicate Toys, require very cosy beds and 
covers, and such they will learn to use with gi'cat 
nicety. Don't send your dog into the cellar to ])nss 
the night, and don't lix his quarters in a cold, 
draughty place, or behind a door. Treat him 
humanly or else give him away. 

Food and Exercise. Usually dogs, and house- 
dogs in i)articular, sutler from a lack of proper ex- 
ercise, and the feeding of substances that would be 



DOGS. 



149 



proper under some conditions, but wholly uniit 
under others. The dog is a carnivorous animal, 
and flesh would naturally constitute the major part 
of his diet. Deficient exercise, how^ever, modifies 
the nature of the diet ; meat no longer should be 
the bulk of the animal's food, but should be re- 
placed by vegetables of a light, digestible nature. 
Excessive exercise, on the other hand, such as is 
required of hunting dogs at work in the field, calls 
for a generous feeding. Too much meat, either 
raw or cooked, can hardly be fed at such a time,, 
but the same diet under conditions of rest or idle- 
ness would be wholly unfit and injurious. 




Puppies should be taugjt to lap milk wheu 
about three weeks old, as this relieves the mother 
of the great strain to furnish sustenance, particu- 
larly if the number of nursing puppies is large.. 
Cow's milk for this purpose should be heated to 
scalding point, then slightly sweetened, and fed 
when it has cooled down to the temperature of" 



150 PET QUADRUPEDS. 

the dam's. If the puppy thrives on this diet, 
worms in the stomach are apt to thrive also, so 
that a diet of soup thickened with stale bread may 
be ^^radually substituted for the milk. Weaning 
may be accomplished at the age of six weeks, if 
the puppies are in good health. Four meals a day 
will amply suffice for them at this age, and these 
should consist chiefly of the soup diet, together 
with well-boiled meat and vegetables. Puppies 
should not be permitted to gorge, as they are apt 
to do if left to eat all that they desire. At the 
age of six months three meals a day will be enough, 
and when a year old one light meal in the morning 
and a generous feeding in the evening will be 
found most conducive to health and strength. A 
large bone given to a dog to gnaw upon, is a good 
means of keeping his teeth clean and of furnish- 
ing bone particles, which are needed for the nour- 
ishment of tiie osseous system. Irregular sup- 
plies of food are injurious, and sweetmeats usually 
work mischief. Raw meat is apt to cause ferocity 
of temper, l)esides giving to the animal an offen- 
sive smell. The presence of cereal aud vegetable 
substances in the dog's diet will be found, in most 
cases, to be preferable to an over-alnindance of 
meat, this being true more particularly in regard 
to household pets getting very deficient exercise. 
Dog-biscuits have come into favor during the 



DOGS. 151 

past few years, and are now extensively used by 
fanciers, whether as a matter of convenience or 
preference it would be difficult to tell. They are 
supposed to consist of such materials as are best 
adapted for feeding; most kinds are no doubt reli- 
able, and may be recommended. There is no ques- 
tion in regard to their convenience, but that they 
are better than a diet prepared at home is very 
doubtful. In addition to such food supplies as 
have just been mentioned, fresh drinking water 
should be at all times accessible. This is very 
essential to a dog, as he requires drink frequently 
through the day. 

The Bath. When properly kept, a house-dog 
should have a bath as often at least as once in two 
weeks, not only for the health of the animal, but 
for eradicating any offensive smell characteristic of 
canines, and for the prevention or destruction of 
parasites. The morning is the proper time for the 
dog's bath ; luke-warm water should be used, to- 
gether with a plentiful application of soap. Some 
of the excellent dog-soaps in the market should be 
employed rather than the common sorts, which con- 
tain strong alkali. Soaps containing carbolic acid 
and other poisonous substances should be avoided, 
since they are injurious to both the skin and the 
hair. After batliing and rinsing with clear water. 



152 PET QUADRUPEDS. 

the liair should be rubbed dry and brushed, care 
being taken to prevent delicately nurtured dogs 
from taking cold. Small dogs should be placed in 
the tub for their bath, large dogs beside it. 

Diseases of Dogs. Under proper conditions the 
dog is rarely afflicted by illness. Cleanliness in all 
matters pertaining to the animal's quarters, and 
regularity in feeding wholesome food, will conduce 
largely to health. Some diseases result from con- 
tagion, but even these are hardly to be feared if 
the general conditions of the dog are good. In- 
fectious diseases usually attack emaciated animals, 
hence the best safe-guard against them is a well- 
nourished system. In regard to remedies to be 
given to a dog, it may be stated that a medium 
large dog, as a Setter or Collie, will require as large 
a dose of medicine as a man, larger dogs more, 
and smaller dogs less in proportion to their size. 

Disteinper is one of the severest troubles to which 
a dog is ever subject. It usually afflicts young 
dogs under a year old, but old dogs are not exempt. 
A dog may even be attacked by distemper a sec- 
ond time. This illness is said to result from poison 
afloat in the blood of the animal, and the symp- 
toms are not unsimilar to typhus in man. The 
first appearance of the disease is in the watery dis- 
charges from the eyes and nostrils, by which means 



DISEASES OF DOGS. 153 

nature is seeking to throw off the poison afflicting 
the body. A fresh cokl often exhibits the same 
symptoms, but is not accompanied by the rapid 
emaciation that is sure to follow if the trouble is 
distemper. A loss of appetite, sneezing, a cough^ 
with frequent efforts to vomit, shivering, and a 
feverish desire to drink, are symptoms nearly 
always present. The respiration becomes labored, 
fits sometimes occur, and the bowels show great 
irregularity. It is said on good authority that no 
specific is known for the absolute cure of distem- 
per. The disease has its course to run, and good 
nursing will prove a most effectual aid to recovery. 
Remedies may and should be given that give tem- 
porary relief. Keep the patient in a warm, dry 
place, giving him an easy bed to rest upon. Give 
light, nourishing food, and place within ready 
access a pail of fresh water, from which the ani- 
mal can lap at his pleasure. If a dog refuses his 
customary food, he must be tempted with substan- 
tial dainties; and if these remain uneaten, an egg 
may be beaten up in port wine and the animal 
to reed to swallow it. Beef-tea and fresh milk are 
usually relished. If possible, consult a skilled vet- 
erinary in regard to medicines, but if that is im- 
possible the remedies of the stores may be admin- 
istered with good efi'ect. 

Mts, if not the result of distemper, are usually 
due to indigestion or the presence of worms in the 



154 PET QUADRUPEDS. 

stomach or intestines. This is a common aihnent, 
and may be best remedied by seeking out and re- 
moving the cause. Keep the dog quiet, and give 
phiin food at proper intervals. A dose of castor- 
oil may be given once or twice a week, and one to 
live grains of sulphate of zinc in a few grains of 
the extract of dandelion twice a day. 

Mange is due to parasites that live and multiply 
in the skin. There are two distinct kinds of this 
disease, which are readily transmitted from one 
animal to another, and sometimes to man himself. 
There are other skin diseases sometimes mistaken 
for mange, which are not contagious, and reqnire 
treatment different from that of the former trouble. 
Wash the parts well that are afflicted, and apply 
some good mercurial or suli)hur ointment. The 
animal maybe given plenty of sulphur in his milk 
or food, or Fowler's solution may be given in doses 
of from one-half to six drops, according to the 
weight of the dog. 

Worms in a dog are of different sorts. Puppies 
are often afflicted with theni, and death is sometimes 
due to theii' presence, even when they are wholly 
unexpected to be the source of ailnrent. Round 
worms infest the stomach and small intestines. 
These cause much irritation of the alimentary 
canal, and give rise to many disorders. A dog 
suffering with worms becomes emaciated without 
having fever, is alternately afflicted with constipa- 



CATS. 155 

tion and diarrhoea, and has at most times a raven- 
ous appetite. The abdomen often appears bloated, 
while other parts of the body are thin. Tape- 
worms and maw-worms, said by some authorities 
to be much the same, are difficult to era.dicate. 
Areca-nut is the commonest remedy for tape-worm; 
when freshly ground it is given in doses of two 
grains for every pound the dog weighs, the dose to 
be repeated in four days. Santonine is given for 
round worms, from one-third to three o:rains beina" 
a dose. After the symptoms are abated give cod- 
liver oil, and occasionally a mild dose of castor-oil, 
and at the same time a crenerous diet. 

II._Cats. 

The cat has been called the '' pertect pet," and 
not without justice. Pussy has always had her 
friends and her toes; her ardent admirers and her 
extreme detestors. Faults she has, no doubt, but 
the lack of an affectionate regard for the person 
who befriends her is not, as lias been alleged, one 
of them. Though less demonstrative than the dog, 
the quiet rubbing of her fur against one's person 
is no less- indicative of supreme regard. 

The cat is usually cleanly in her habits. She 
may be trained to act discreetly in the house, and 
to observe her proper position at the fireside. Do 
not drive her out of the house to spend the night, 
if during the day she is permitted to remain in. 



156 



PET QUADRUPEDS. 



A basket may be placed for her bed, and this 
she should be taught to occupy during the night. 
Feed your cat well ; it is a mistaken notion that 
permits her to remain hungry with the idea that 
she will make a better mouser. Hunger will in- 
duce her to steal what is within reach rather than 
prompt her to seek for what is inaccessible. Two 

good meals a day are enough 
for Pussy; let meat and milk 
be a part of her meiin once 
each day. Oatmeal porridge 
and milk makes a good dish, 
lilljl and potatoes or other wel'.- 
f^pfr boiled vegetables are often 
relished. Fresh water 
should be always accessible. 
The indiscriminate feeding of a cat or any other 
pet is a mistake; regularity in feeding is more 
conducive to healtli. Begging for food on the part 
of any pet is a disagreeable habit that may be 
broken by resolutely refusing the petitions for tid- 
bits so prettily ottered at the family meal. Kittens 
should be supplied with food more frequently than 
the grown cat. Three or four good meals a day 
are a necessity, l^ever take all of a cat's kittens 
from her at once; one should be left for her to 
raise. Never keep a number of kittens for which 
you are unable to supply good homes. Drowning 
kittens is a barbarous means of getting rid of sur- 




RABBITS AND GUINEA-PIGS. 157 

plus pets; chloroforming is, by all means, to be 
preferred. Place the kittens in a close vessel, to- 
gether with a sponge saturated with chloroform, 
and death will soon ensue that is unconscious and 
painless. Cats that are infirm or diseased may be 
put to sleep by getting them to drink some syrup 
of chloral placed in their water. They may then 
be mercifully chloroformed to death. 

" If a cat is realh' ill, he should be treated as a human patient is treated, 
kept quiet and warm, and have medicine suited to his disorder. The most 
convenient and easily administered is the homeopathic. To insure the 
swallowing of doses having an unfamiliar or unpleasant taste, requires 
tact and some labor. The animal must be wrapped up closely, so that he 
cannot use his claws to protect himself from what he considers an outrage, 
his mouth opened, the medicine poured down, and his head held up till 
the dose is swallowed."— Olive Thorne Miller. 

III. — Rabbits axd Guinea-pigs. 

Among the most innocent 
and engaging quadrupeds ca- 
pable of domestication are the 
liabbit and Guinea-pig. Both 
thrive well in confinement if 
strict cleanliness is at all times 
observed. These pets are very 
similar in habits and disposition, the latter, not- 
withstanding its name, being in no wise related to 
the beast that is said to leave a cloverfield so re- 
luctantly. Feed plentifully fresh roots and vege- 
tables, and keep in warm, dry hutches located in 
an outhouse. Guinea-pigs are born with their eyes 




158 PET QUADRUPEDS. 

open, well-coated, three to five at a birth. Rabbits 
are born blind and hairless, some two weeks elaps- 
ing before they see the light. The young should 
be weaned at the age of six weeks, only one being 
taken from the doe at a time. Give them warm 
quarters plentifully provided with nice hay, and 
feed soft food for a time. Green food should be 
given sparingly to the young. C/rushed oats and 
fresh roots, soaked peas or beans, and boiled pota- 
toes are all excellent. Rabbits need but little to 
drink as they get sufficient liquids from the green 
food they consume, but wlien such food is scarce, 
a little milk or milk and water may be furnished 
witli advantage. Feed twice a day. Be sure that 
their food is fresh and that their quarters are 
warm and clean. 

IV. — Squirrels. 

Squirrels become very tame and are pretty, en- 
gaging little fellows. Their food is principally nuts, 
acorns and cereals. Bread and milk should be fed 
in addition once a day. There should be provided 
for them a regular squirrel cage consisting of three 
apartments, — a sleeping chamber, a feeding room, 
and a revolving wheel. The latter they will de- 
light to turn at times, much to the delight of child- 
ren, and of adults as well. Keep the apartments 
scrupulously clean, as by this means only can in- 
sect pests be avoided. 



IISDEX. 



PAGE. 

Accidents 55 

American Songsters 72 

Aquarinm 1-9 

Fish for 189 

'■'• Plants for loH 

" Sitnating an 1-18 

' ' Water for J 88 

Arrowhead 1 87 

Asthma in birds .'0 

A^ adavat VIG 

Aviary 118 

Bird-breeding in America 28 

Bird-lime 12 

Bird-pests 80 

Black-cap, European 69 

Bobolink 76 

Brazilian Cardinal 80 

Breeding-cages 40 

Brown Thrasher 86 

Bulltiuch 61 

Cages 13 

' ' Cleaning brass 18 

Canary 22 

" Breeding of 88 

" Care of.. 29 

" Diseases of 4s 

" Food for 88 

"• Insects on 30 

" Training of 18 

" Belgian 24 

" English 25 

' ' German 22 

Canarv-seed 15 

Cat-bird 88 

Cats 155 

Cayenne pepper 34 

Chaffinch 63 

Cockatoos Ill 

Confervae 144 

Convulsions 53 

Corvidae 112 

Costiveness in birds 51 

Cramps in birds 54 

Crow 114 

Crowfoot 137 

Diamond Sparrow 125 

Diarrhoea in birds 52 

Diseases of birds 48 

Distemper in dogs 152 

Dog-biscuits 150 



PAGE. 

Dogs 145 

' • Diseases of 152 

" Food for 148 

" Kennels and Beds 146 

Egg-Eating birds 45 

Egg-bound Canary 44 

Egg and cracker mixture 33 

European Song.sters 57 

Finches, African 123 

" Common Wax-bill 125 

" Cordon blue 125 

Cutthroat 127 

Magpie 127 

St. Helena 126 

Zebra 126 

Fish, feeding of 142 

Fish for aquarium 139 

Fish-globes 181 

Food for birds 14 

Golden Robin 91 

Goldfinch, American 73 

English 58 

Gold fish 1.39 

Gravel 34 

Grosbeak, Cardinal 78 

Rose-breasted 81 

Gudgeon 140 

Guinea-pigs 157 

Hemp-seed 15 r 

Hybrids 46 

Indigo Bunting 74 

Inflammation of intestines 54 

Jackdaws 115 

Jai)anese Robin 121 

Java Sparrow 122 

Lameness in birds 54 

Linnet, Red 60 

Lories Ill 

Loss of voice 52 

Love-birds 109 

Macaw, Blue and Yellow 110 

Scarlet HO 

INIagpie 116 

Manakins 127 

Mange in dogs 154 



INDEX. 



PAGE. 

Mating- fever 38 

Mawseed Ifi 

Meal. worms 18 

Millet-seed !•') 

Minnows 14U 

Mockingbird 82 

Mockingbird food 17 

Moulting period 36 

NiglUingale Ti'i 

Non])areil 7i 

Nuns, Japanese 127 

Oriole, Baltimore 91 

Orchard 92 

Padda H) 

Paradise Wliydali 124 

Paroquets H 17 

Parrots 95 

" Amazon 105 

Cuban 1U(; 

Double-Yellowbead 104 

Single " 105 

Dwarf Hr. 

Gray lOo 

Perches for birds 13 

Poppy-seed 10 

Psittacidae 95 

Puppies, feeding 149 

Rabbits 157 



PAGE, 

Rape-seed 15 

Ravens 113 

Rooks 115 

Scarlet Tanager 89 

Silver-tish 139 

Skvlark 07 

Snails 139 

Squirrels 158 

Starling 70 

Starwort 137 

Stickleback HO 

Sturnidae 95 

Sunflower-seed 16 

Talking Minor 95 

Taming birds 18 

Tank for aquarium 133 

Trapping birds 11 

Trooi)ial 93 

Tstan.ls 110 

Turtles 141 

Unhulled rice 16 

Water for aquariiim 138 

Water for birds 31 

Water cress 137 

Water millfoil 137 

Water weed 137 

Wood Thrusli 87 

Worms in dogs 154 




